BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) has praised the fruitful partnership the country has with the Peoples Republic of China (PRC).

Speaking at the launching of the second phase of the Rural Sustainable Development Program in Honiara, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele described China as a vital development partner of the country.

“China today stands as a significant development partner for the people and government of the Solomon Islands.

“The collaboration between our two countries has not only benefited the individuals and communities directly involved in the RSDP program.

“But it also strengthens and deepens the bond between your (China) government and the Solomon Islands.

“With this cordial friendship and relationship, we can achieve even greater success and make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need,” he said.

Manele added, as the second phase of the RSDP has launched, he hopes the program will contribute to transform by creating sustainable change that benefit both current and future generations.

The prime Minister told the PRC Embassy in Honiara that their investment in the RSDP program is an investment in the future of the country. The GNUT is grateful for generosity and trust in shared vision the countries have for a brighter future.

Charge d Affairs of PRC Embassy office in Honiara, Yang Jie said since he arrived in the country 3 months ago, he felt the momentum and pulse of substantial progress achieved over the past 6 years since China and SI established diplomatic relations.

Adding that practical cooperation keeps flourishing under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

He emphasized that China is the largest trading partner to country and has implemented zero tariffs on all Solomon Islands products exported to China.

“In the first 9 months of 2025, bilateral trade witnessed 77 million USD surplus in favor of SI. While China and SI are good partners under the Belt and Road Initiative.

“And during the past 6 years, many cooperation projects such as the National Stadium, SINU dormitories, NRH Comprehensive Medical Center, communication towers, Auki Road, power station, roads, bridges, seaports have been implemented,” Jie mentioned.

He further added China and Solomon Islands are good partners in terms of health service, agricultural cooperation and other sectors.

“People to people exchanges between China and SI are growing. Since the beginning of this year, more than 1000 Solomon Islanders have undertaken training programs in China, which ranks first in Pacific Island countries,” Jie said.

In addition, he emphasized that China is glad to support a wide range of “small yet smart” livelihood projects like RSDP across the country.

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