Australian High Commission
Honiara
Solomon Islands

Australia and Solomon Islands prioritise economic growth

28 August 2015

Australia and Solomon Islands prioritise economic growth

Officials from the Governments of Australia and Solomon Islands Australia agreed to a new focus on promoting economic growth at the annual Solomon Islands-Australia High Level consultations, held yesterday.

‘We want to help Solomon Islands increase prosperity and create more jobs for Solomon Islanders’ said Australian High Commissioner Andrew Byrne. “We will work with the Government to identify opportunities for Australia to facilitate more private sector investment in Solomon Islands.”

Officials from the Solomon Islands Government and the Government of Australia also agreed to work together on a new Aid Partnership Agreement, setting out the shared priorities for Australian aid in Solomon Islands.

High Commissioner Byrne told delegates that an effective aid program in Solomon Islands remains a priority for Australia.

‘We want to ensure we have a targeted, effective aid program in Solomon Islands, that is delivering demonstrable results for Solomon Islanders. Solomon Islands remains the third-largest recipient of Australian aid, so it’s important that we continue to demonstrate that our aid program is delivering results”, said High Commissioner Byrne.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Development Planning and Aid Coordination, Shadrach Fanega said, “A lot has changed since we agreed the Partnership for Development in 2013. A new agreement will reflect the priorities of our current Governments, particularly around supporting economic growth in Solomon Islands’. He thanked Australia for its continued support through its aid program, which is aligned with the Solomon Islands Government’s National Development Strategy.”

“Australia is a valued development partner of the Solomon Islands Government and we appreciate the substantial support we receive through our development partnership,” said PS Fanega.

ENDS//