AS part of Government’s move to start introducing the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) concept to stimulate economic growth, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and his delegation toured the Kaohsiung Export Processing Zone (KEPZ) this week.
The delegation is on an eight day visit in Taiwan.
The visit was organised to allow the Prime Minister Sogavare and his delegation to hear of the company’s success stories in export processing since its establishment in 1966 based on the SEZs concept of speeding up economic development by attracting foreign direct investment through the provision of tax exemptions.
The success stories of KEPZ as highlighted by company officials during the tour included its ongoing operation for 50 years now, creation of numerous employment opportunities, earning of substantial foreign reserves and achievement of a robust economic growth.
Speaking at the conclusion of the tour, Mr Sogavare described it as an ‘eye opening’ experience that has enabled him and his delegation to understand the practicality of the SEZs concept.
He said the Government under his leadership is committed to ensuring robust economic growth for the country, adding that Solomon Islands has a lot to learn from the experiences of Taiwan.
Mr Sogavare said the Democratic Coalition for Change Government is taking a SEZs legislation bill to Parliament at its next sitting to achieve its robust economic growth policy objective.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister and his delegation visited the Kaohsiung Hospital yesterday.
They will depart Taiwan this Sunday 31st July and will arrive back in Honiara on August 5.
