BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Minister for Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) Franklyn Wasi said Solomon Islands is a nation rich in culture, resources and talent.

He expressed the above when he officially closed this year’s National Trade Fair (NTF) on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at FOPA Panatina SINU Village, East Honiara.

Wasi also stated that above all, Solomon Islands is rich in the determination of our people to rebuild, reimagine and rise.

He said the theme of this year’s fair, “Trade for Transformation: Rebuilding Our Happy Isles”, speaks directly to that shared ambition.

“Trade is not merely the exchange of goods and services; it is the engine that powers development, connects communities and unlocks new opportunities for prosperity,” said Wasi.

He also highlighted the vital role of the agriculture trade sector, which remains a cornerstone of the economy and national identity.

On this note, Wasi said Agriculture sustains the livelihoods of the majority of the rural population and is a key driver of trade and income generation across the provinces.

“At this year’s trade fair, we have proudly witnessed the diversity and potential of our agricultural sector from cocoa and copra to root crops, livestock, fresh produce and a growing range of value-added agri-products. These are the building blocks of a more resilient and diversified Solomon Islands economy,” said Wasi.

He said his ministry in close collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) and development partners, continues to strengthen agricultural trade linkages.

“Through farmer training, support for downstream processing, quality assurance and trade facilitation, we are committed to ensuring that our farmers and agri-entrepreneurs are equipped to access both domestic and export markets,” he said.

Wasi furthered that events such as this trade fair are critical platforms-not only for showcasing local products but for attracting investment, encouraging innovation and inspiring transformation in agriculture and beyond.

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