PRC donates USD $300K for laboratory equipment
THE Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has donated USD$300,000 (SBD2.5m) to the government and people of Solomon Islands.
A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister & Cabinet said this funding donation would enable the Solomon Islands Government to strengthen and improve its capability to fight against the entry and spread of the COVID-19.
It said based on discussions between the PRC Embassy in Honiara and the Office of the Prime Minister & Cabinet (OPMC), that the Solomon Islands Government will use the funds to purchase testing kits for COVID-19 and relevant laboratory equipment.
The statement said the equipment would be purchased from a Chinese Company named Beijing Genomics Institution (BGI).
“The Solomon Islands Government is discussing the possibility of arranging for a chartered flight from French Polynesia to China for relevant medical supplies delivery.
“In this regard, the PRC Embassy is willing to offer necessary assistance in coordinating with appropriate Chinese authorities to facilitate its timely and effective delivery,” the statement highlighted.
“The PRC Government through its embassy in Honiara has assured the Solomon Islands Government that they stand ready to assist us further in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Meanwhile, the Chinese Government has also purchased a total of 125,000 pairs of gloves which will be sent over to Honiara soon.
PRC’s kind donation comes in light of the global spread of the pandemic COVID-19 as China’s President Xi Jinping had stated that in such moments it is imperative for the international community to strengthen confidence act with unity and work together in collective response.
