MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR PORTS EXPANSION PROJECT SEALED

Minister Forau and Ambassador Kenichi Kimiya today. Photo credit: GCU.

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

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

Today’s signing involved legally binding International Agreements between Japan and Solomon Islands, which was done after the Japanese Cabinet approved 190-million Solomon dollars for the detailed design of the project in April this year.

Meanwhile, the Japanese Ambassador Kenichi Kimiya says the Project provides direct and strategic impacts on connectivity for Solomon Islands with regional and global economies to effectively benefit the populations of Solomon Islands.

Speaking also at the event, Foreign Minister Clay Forau said the new international sea port promises potential changes and promote fundamental developments that will enhance and enable Solomon Islands to trade more effectively with existing markets and explore new markets.

SIBC News understands 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.