The Solomon Islands Government has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant Project following a high-level progress briefing in the capital, Honiara.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) met this week with the Cabinet Monitoring and Coordination Committee (CMCC), a senior inter-ministerial body chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Fred Kologeto that oversees the implementation of major national development priorities. The committee plays a central role in coordinating government efforts and ensuring strategic projects remain on track.
An update was delivered by MFMR Deputy Secretary for Projects, Lisa Sugumanu, with support from the Bina Harbour Project Office. The presentation highlighted the government’s plans to move forward with early works and to ensure effective management of the approximately US$130 million allocated to the project for 2025 and 2026.
Ministers emphasized the importance of delivering an operational tuna processing facility that can generate employment, strengthen domestic value-adding in the fisheries sector, and contribute to broader economic growth. They endorsed a phased implementation strategy designed to accelerate visible progress and build investor confidence.
Finance Minister Rexon Ramofafia stressed the need for clearly defined, on-the-ground deliverables to help attract private sector participation.
Current technical site investigations are continuing, particularly to support development of a domestic jetty at Bina Harbour, identified as a key early component of the project. The committee also called for expedited discussions with the Solomon Islands Ports Authority to ensure timely coordination and delivery of port-related infrastructure.
“The Bina Harbour Project continues to make steady progress,” Ms. Sugumanu said, noting that the committee welcomed the work completed to date.
She added that discussions focused on accelerating early works, maintaining a phased approach, and strengthening coordination across government agencies to ensure the project’s successful implementation.
