Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele highlighted the need to strengthen cooperation with the Chinese company via the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, stressing that oil palm is a vital export that can create jobs and spur economic growth for Solomon Islanders.
He made the comment when he met with a delegation from China National Agricultural
Reclamation Group Company Limited at OPMC to discuss the proposed Oula Oil Palm Project last Friday.
According to a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister’s Press Secretariat, stated the delegation was accompanied by members of the Oula Sub-Cabinet Committee,led by Hon. Chachabule Amoe, Member of Parliament for Marovo, and Hon. ClezyRore, Member of Parliament for North Vella La Vella.
It added during the meeting, the delegation thanked Prime Minister Manele for the audienceand commended Solomon Islands’ abundant resources and strong potential in the agriculture sector.
Prime Minister Manele welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed the Government’s
commitment to the proposed Oula Oil Palm Project, describing it as a national
priority.
He highlighted that the dedicated Sub-Cabinet Committee demonstrates the
Government’s focused approach to this project.
“The agriculture sector remains an important driver of growth and income for
our people and our country,” the Prime Minister said.
“The Government recognises the need for key infrastructure, such as wharves
and roads, to support rural development, and we continue to explore ways to
address these gaps.”
“Building the Oula Oil Palm Project will contribute to economic growth and
create employment opportunities for our people. We appreciate this visit and
look forward to seeing the partnership grow further,” he said.
The Oula Oil Palm Project, located in Vella La Vella, Western Province, is a
proposed national priority project led by the Solomon Islands Government. It aims to
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develop commercial-scale oil palm plantations to generate employment, increase
agricultural production, boost export revenues, and support rural infrastructure
development and economic growth in the region.
The Oula Sub-Cabinet Committee was established by the Government to provide
dedicated oversight and coordination for the proposed project. Chaired by Hon.
Chachabule Amoe, MP for Marovo, the committee includes Hon. Clezy Rore, MP for
North Vella La Vella, and ensures that the project aligns with national priorities,
supports local communities, and addresses infrastructure and development
challenges.