A senior Solomon Islands delegation has successfully concluded a week-long agricultural study tour to New Zealand, aimed at strengthening institutional capacity, deepening policy expertise, and exploring new export opportunities in fresh produce and value-added food markets.
The delegation was led by Solomon Islands Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Franklyn Derek Wasi, and included senior government officials and private sector representatives. Among them were Dr. Paul Bosawai, owner of SAPE Farm; Ms. Jean Eroa, Director of Biosecurity Solomon Islands; Ms. Sharon Nanau, Director of Communications and Information; and Dr. Rex Maukera, owner of Goshen Enterprise.
During the intensive programme, the delegation engaged with a broad range of New Zealand government agencies, research institutions and agribusiness leaders to exchange knowledge and identify pathways to boost agricultural productivity and exports from Solomon Islands.
Meetings were held with Pacific Trade and Invest, Grow Asia Pacific, the Bioeconomy Science Institute, Horticulture New Zealand and Rautini, focusing on innovation, market access, biosecurity standards and sustainable production systems.
A key engagement included discussions with New Zealand’s Minister for Biosecurity and Food Safety, Hon. Andrew Hoggard, on strengthening biosecurity cooperation. Talks highlighted New Zealand’s ongoing support to Solomon Islands in combating the invasive Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle, a major threat to Pacific coconut industries and rural livelihoods.
One of the tour’s highlights was a hands-on session at the Wellington Chocolate Factory, where the delegation crafted chocolate bars using cocoa sourced directly from growers in Guadalcanal Province. The experience underscored the growing international recognition of Solomon Islands cocoa as a premium product suited to high-end specialty markets.
New Zealand High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, H.E. Jonathan Curr, said New Zealand remains committed to supporting Solomon Islands’ agricultural ambitions.
“New Zealand is proud to support Solomon Islands’ efforts to grow its agriculture sector and access new export markets. This study tour strengthened partnerships, opened new connections, and demonstrated the real potential of Solomon Islands products — especially its world-class cocoa,” he said.
Minister Wasi described the tour as transformative, particularly as a first-term Member of Parliament and Minister.
“The engagements with research institutes and industry leaders in New Zealand have been highly enriching and have opened up new opportunities for partnerships, particularly in agricultural research and trade,” he said.
He also noted that the visit provided a valuable opportunity for participating Solomon Islands entrepreneurs in taro and cassava production to explore potential access to the New Zealand market, which is home to one of the world’s largest Pacific Island diaspora communities.
The study tour marks another milestone in the deepening agricultural and trade cooperation between Solomon Islands and New Zealand, reinforcing shared commitments to sustainable development, regional food security and economic resilience.
[ENDS]
You must be logged in to post a comment.