Giro visits Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China and signs MOU with CNFC

A delegation led by the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Hon. Nestor Giro is currently in Beijing to progress the Fisheries Cooperation with the People’s Republic of China. On 16^th May 2023, Minister Giro visited the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs in Beijing and held talks with Vice Minister Ma Youxiang.  

Part of Minister Giro’s official program was a courtesy visit to the counterpart Ministry, which is the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA), PRC. During the visit, both sides engaged in a cordial and in-depth dialogue regarding ideas of cooperation in the field of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

It was a successful meeting as it enhances the SI-PRC cooperation, a relationship that has fostered and flourished since the formalization of diplomatic relations in 2019.

Solomon Islands and the People’s Republic of China both reaffirmed their growing friendly relations and commit to ensure there is inclusiveness, mutual respect, equal treatment and win-win cooperation between each other.

Both parties assured each other of their continuous commitments and strong support towards each other. Minister Giro appreciates China’s ongoing support to Solomon Islands and commit to future collaboration.

Following the courtesy visit, Hon. Giro and the Chairman of the China National Fisheries Corporation (CNFC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Fisheries Cooperation. This MOU will allow CNFC to invest in Solomon Islands in areas of mutual interest. According to Minister Giro, the MOU is to strengthen the SI-PRC Fisheries Cooperation as well as to promote the implementation of tangible entrepreneurial developments in Solomon Islands.

Minister Giro further spoke highly of the friendly fishery cooperation between the two countries and agreed with Vice Minister Ma’s views and suggestions on future cooperation. He said Solomon Islands is ready to carry out more cooperation with China to promote the development of the fishery industry and improve people’s living standards.

After the signing ceremony, the two sides exchanged gifts and Vice Minister Ma wished Minister Giro an enjoyable time during his stay in Beijing.