Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare received Taiwanese Minister Dr Chih-Wei Chiu, Friday.
Dr Chiu was in Honiara as part of his tour of Taiwan’s Pacific ally countries.
In his dialogue with Dr Chiu, Prime Minister Sogavare spoke about the Democratic Coalition for Change Government’s (DCCG’s) policy intentions to boost the national economy.
The Prime Minister said Solomon Islands is listed as one of the least developed countries and the second highest aid dependent country and such labels are an insult to a country blessed with so much natural resources.
He said the main focus of his government is to establish special economic zones around the country and putting in place necessary infrastructures there in order to attract investors.
These special economic zones would carry investment incentives such as tax holidays, duty exemptions and so forth.
“There’s heavy focus on attracting foreign investment into this country and this is the only way out of our economic stagnancy,” Sogavare said.
“Malaita will be the main focus of our foreign investor attraction efforts,” he added.
“The message that rung loud and clear from the ethnic tension was to decentralise development from Guadalcanal and it would totally irresponsible of the government to turn a deaf ear to it.”
Sogavare said there is so much potential for Solomon Islands in the fisheries and tourism sectors and his government is aggressively working to develop them.
In response, Dr Chiu expressed acknowledgement for the Prime Minister enlightenment to him about his government’s policy intentions for economic growth.
He said the Taiwanese Government can help the DCC Government with its investor-seeking endeavour by encouraging Taiwanese investors to invest in Solomon Islands and providing technical assistance.
