Japan And Solomon Islands Sign Seaport Project

Japan And Solomon Islands Signs Multi-Million Dollar Seaport Project

The Governments of Japan and Solomon Islands today signed a multi-million dollar project to expand facilities at the Honiara International Seaport.

The new project will include the construction of a second international wharf, which will enable the Honiara Port to become one of the largest sea-port hubs in the region.

Japanese Ambassador and Charge d’Affaires to Solomon Islands Kenichi Kimiya and Foreign Affairs Minister Clay Forau signed the documents which have now significantly paved the way for the start of the project.

The documents constitutes legally binding International Agreements between Japan and Solomon Islands, which secures a grant of two billion six hundred and eighty-one million Japanese Yen (approx. SBD190 million) for construction works by the Government of Japan.

Today’s signing was done following the successful completion of the design phase which was signed and implemented on 17th January 2014. The Japanese Cabinet has approved the detailed design in April this year which totalled to SB$190 million.

“The Project marks a new partnership between the two countries. It provides direct and strategic impacts on connectivity for Solomon Islands with regional and global economies to effectively benefit the populations of Solomon Islands,” said Ambassador Kimiya today.

The Project aims to expand the port facilities including the construction of the second international wharf, which enables the Honiara Port to become one of the largest hub ports in the region.

Working closely with development partners who have been paying efforts to improve performance, governance and accountability of the State-Owned Enterprises, including the Solomon Islands Port Authority (SIPA), the overall capacity of the Honiara Port will be strengthened by these efforts both on hard and soft aspects.

Minister Forau also signed a Grant Agreement with JICA representative Taiji Usui during the ceremony today.

Welcoming the project, Minister Forau said Maritime trade is an old but significant engine of growth and the construction of this port is certainly an imperative apparatus for the socio-economic development of Solomon Islands.

“This port promises potential changes and promote fundamental developments that will enhance and enable us to trade more effectively with existing markets as well as the opportunity to explore new markets,” Mr Forau said.

Minister Forau applauded the Government of Japan for investing in such a pivotal avenue that will open many doors of opportunities for Solomon Islands.

ENDS

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