Brussels, Belgium, – In a significant move to strengthen international support for the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant Development, a delegation from the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) have participated in the EU-Pacific States Trade Committee Meeting in Brussels this week, from February 3-7.

The Brussels meeting is a gathering aimed at fostering trade relations and cooperation between the European Union (EU) and Pacific Island nations. 

The meeting involves discussions on various trade- related issues, including tariffs, trade agreements, economic partnerships, and strategies to enhance mutual trade benefits. Participants include government officials, trade representatives, and stakeholders from both the EU and the Pacific states including Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Samoa, and Solomon Islands.

During the meeting, MFMR’s Tuna Industry Advisor Peter Cusack presented on the Bina project, focusing on securing EU participation in infrastructure financing. 

The opportunity to highlight the Bina Harbour development to the EU follows an invitation to MFMR by Minister Counsellor Maurizio Cian of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to the Pacific, based in Suva. 

Counsellor Maurizio and his delegation were received by the Malaita Provincial Government Premier, the HON Elijah Asilaua and his staff in Auki, before travelling to Bina Harbour on the 5th of February.

MFMR Permanent Secretary, Dr Christain Ramofafia said, “The site visit is an excellent opportunity to showcase the project and to advocate for EU support for financing of the infrastructure required to enable the development.” He went onto say, “it will also help to show how ongoing tariff free access to the EU market for Solomon Islands processed tuna products is critical to the successful operation of SolTuna and National Fisheries Development at Noro, and to Solomon Islands attracting private sector investment in a new tuna processing operation at Bina Harbour.”

In Brussels, MFAET’s Deputy Director of External Trade, Jenny Barile, also shared a review presentation of the EU-Solomon Islands Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (IEPA) and with MFMR support, described how the ongoing Derogation of the Rules of Origin, which facilitates duty-free access to EU markets for Solomon Islands processed tuna products, regardless of their origin further enhances the trade relationship between the EU and the Solomon Islands.

Attendance at the EU-Pacific States Trade Committee Meeting shows the Solomon Islands commitment to building better economic ties with the European Union and support for major projects that will provide the country with opportunities for growth.