THE Director General of the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) Mrs Suphatra Srimaitreehithak has met with the Supervising Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade William Soaki on Tuesday.
The Director General was also accompanied by four senior officials from the Government of Thailand.
This was the first meeting to be held between the TICA Head with SIG Officials.
The purpose of the visit was in response to the proposal made under the Thailand-Pacific Islands Forum (TPIF) for a ONE COUNTRY-ONE PROJECT.
This is an initiative that aims to boost sustainable development and food security through the agricultural sector.
Speaking during the meeting, the Director General explained that this initiative aims to accelerate economic and rural development through the community level.
She said it will also bring about the concept of sustainability and economic growth to the rural communities and to enable them with the knowledge to be self sufficient and take ownership in their rural development approach.
In response, Supervising Permanent Secretary Mr Soaki thanked TICA for accepting the request by Solomon Islands to roll-out this One Country-One Project initiative in the country.
“MFAET together with the Ministry of Agriculture will work collaboratively with TICA to ensure that this model of rural development is forthcoming with success,” he said.
Mr Soaki said Solomon Islands is a country with diversity and this development model suits the rural settings in and around the provinces.
The supervising PS said this model is fitting for rural communities which aims to allow our rural people to use their existing knowledge and skills together with the expertise provided from TICA to enhance food security, food preservation, and improve their standard of living in their communities.
The ONE COUNTRY-ONE PROJECT will be further identified by the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with selected communities in the country, and implemented together with TICA.
TICA will also be responsible for the Technical Assistance, transfer of knowledge and Funding.
TICA has done similar projects in Chile, Lesotho, Laos, Cambodia, Tonga, Fiji, Sri Lanka, Mozambique and Timor Leste.
The TICA delegation will be in the country for the next couple of days.
They will be meeting with officials from the Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock and expected to visit some selected sites for this project before departing tomorrow.
– Government Communication Unit
