15 May 2009

Australia and Solomon Islands commit to economic development on Malaita

2:59 pm on 15 May 2009

Australia and Solomon Islands are working together to increase cocoa production and improve

road rehabilitation and maintenance in Malaita Province.

In a joint release the Governments say this partnership will provide jobs for Solomon

Islanders, economic stimulus for Malaita and better access for rural communities to towns and

markets.

Australia is to provide more than three million US dollars over several years for the rehabilitation and the roading improvements.

The Acting Solomon Prime Minister, Fred Fono, says development in Malaita is a national priority for his Government.

He says smallholders will benefit greatly, gaining improved skills and knowledge about how to rehabilitate neglected cocoa blocks and to more effectively manage their plantings so quality and production quantity can be increased.