AUSTRALIA & SOLOMON AGREED TO FOCUS ON ECONOMIC GROWTH

Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Andrew Byrne. Photo: Courtesy of Sydney Morning Herald.

Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Andrew Byrne. Photo: Courtesy of Sydney Morning Herald.

Australia and Solomon Islands has agreed to a new focus on promoting economic growth at the annual Solomon Islands-Australia High Level consultations this week.

Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands His Excellency Andrew Byrne says they want to help Solomon Islands increase prosperity and create more jobs for Solomon Islanders.

He adds, they will work with the Government of Solomon Islands to identify opportunities for Australia to facilitate more private sector investment in Solomon Islands.

A statement from the Australian High Commission office said officials at the event have agreed to collaborate on a new Aid Partnership Agreement, setting out shared priorities for Australian aid in Solomon Islands.

High Commissioner Byrne told delegates that an effective aid program in Solomon Islands remains a priority for Australia.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Development Planning and Aid Coordination, Shadrach Fanega said a lot of change has taken place since the two countries agreed on the Partnership for Development in 2013.

He adds, the new agreement will reflect the priorities of the current Government, particularly in supporting the economic growth in Solomon Islands.

Mr Fanega thanked Australia for its continued support through its aid program, which he confirmed being aligned with the Solomon Islands Government’s National Development Strategy.

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