BY NED GAGAHE

Plans for a major investment in a tuna processing operation and international port at Bina Harbour, Malaita, were presented at the 14th Australia–Solomon Islands Business Forum held in Brisbane last week.

A statement from the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) said the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant Project Team from the ministry updated contractors and development partners on the successful completion of the 30 percent Concept Design for the port and landside facilities that will support the processing plant.

The team also outlined progress on the cost plan and the broader business case.

During the Forum, the delegation highlighted significant opportunities for both Solomon Islands and Australian companies to partner in construction, engineering, services, and other areas linked to the project.

Once operational, the Bina Harbour project is expected to generate up to 1,600 direct jobs and unlock new commercial activity through the construction and servicing of the plant, port, and surrounding community infrastructure.

The MFMR delegation was led by the Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Hon Bradley Tovosia.

He was accompanied by Permanent Secretary Dr Christain Ramofafia, Deputy Secretary (Projects) Lisa Sugumanu, and Tuna Industry Adviser Peter Cusack from the Bina Harbour Project Office (BHPO).

The BHPO is funded by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), which continues to support MFMR in planning, coordination, and preparation for what is expected to be one of the country’s largest fisheries sector investments.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]