The prime minister of Solomon Islands says the investment of almost 165-million US dollars in the country will improve its bottom position in international development rankings.
A private consortium made up of investors from Australia, the United States and Europe has already registered its interest during preliminary talks with government officials.
Manasseh Sogavare says the consortium wants to establish a zone of various activities such as tourism, light industry and technology development.
He admits the consortium's activities will not be taxed, few Solomon Islanders will be employed and profits will go off-shore.
But he says despite this, the investment is still valuable.
"The country will benefit out of the existence of the operation in the country that improves economic market commerce indicators that would probably lift us out of our status as least-developing country."
Manasseh Sogavare says the investment project will also benefit the country by establishing infrastructure, such as roads.
