13 Jul 2016

Solomons PM asks for Chinese investment

10:25 am on 13 July 2016

The Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, has asked China to consider investing in technology in Solomon Islands.

Manasseh Sogavare

Manasseh Sogavare Photo: AFP

He told the visiting Papua New Guinea-based Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy, Wang Gen Hua, Solomon Islands needs investors in telecommunications, rural electrification and food processing.

Mr Sogavare said China was Solomon Islands' number one trading partner as China buys Solomon Islands logs and his country imports huge volumes from China.

Solomon Islands logs have been exported to China by mostly Malaysian logging operators.

Our correspondent in Honiara reports both men agreed that although an official relationship has not been established between Honiara and Beijing, trade relations have existed for many years.

Mr Sogavare told the Chinese delegation there was nothing to stop Chinese investors from investing in Solomon Islands.

Solomon Islands was one of six countries in the Pacific region which recognise China's rival Taiwan.