Work on the Japanese funded project for the improvement of the Honiara International Seaport Facility in Solomon Islands is set to begin, following its ground breaking ceremony.
The project involves the expansion of the current facility and the construction of a second international wharf.
The Solomons government says it hopes the project will transform Honiara Port into one of the largest hubs in the Pacific.
Prime Minister Mannesseh Sogavare says the occasion was a memorable one for him as it was the first ground breaking ceremony he officiated since his re-election as Prime Minister.
He says the increasing level of assistance by Japan to the transport sector and other assistance through the Japanese International Corporation Agency is a manifestation of the strength of partnership between the Solomons and Japan.
Japan approved a grant of about 24 million US dollars for the construction phase.
The project is expected to be completed in the latter half of 2016.
