Newly established SI Chinese Business Council meets PM Sogavare

THE Solomon Islands Chinese Business Council (SCBC) has paid a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare today at the Office of the Prime Minister & Cabinet.

SCBC presented themselves as a newly registered body that will promote and assist in the development aspirations of the country between Solomon Islands and China.

SCBC Chairman Antonio Lee said members of SCBC are made up of both old and new Chinese residents in Solomon Islands.

“We are genuine and we respect Solomon Islands as a sovereign country,” he said.

SCBC also presented their visions and objectives to the Prime Minister and they are as follows;

• To promote unity among Chinese to contribute towards development of Solomon Islands.
• To be the bridge between Chinese and the people of Solomon Islands.
• To promote harmony and mutual respect between Chinese and Solomon Islanders for better development environment.
• To improve dialogue and communication between Chinese and Solomon Islands.
• To assist practical skills and opportunity for employment enhancement.
• To promote job creation for Solomon Islanders.
• And to assist in relevant areas that will have mutual benefit for Chinese and Solomon Islands.

“We are a incorporated and registered body and we are serious to bridge the gap for development opportunities for Solomon Islands,” Mr Lee said.

Prime Minister Sogavare in response said this a major step towards bridging the gap and linking the private sector here with genuine investors in China.

The Prime Minister said we have never organised ourselves to take advantage of the opportunities before us since signing our diplomatic ties with China.

“Chinese traders have been here long before and it is time we make use of the opportunity to bridge the development gap required,” he said.

Prime Minister Sogavare thanked members of the SCBC for their initiative.

Meanwhile, Mr Lee said development of the tourism sector in Solomon Islands is a priority area of the SCBC.

Mr Lee said they will announce exciting developments and partnerships soon.

Members of the SCBC are;

• Antonio Lee – Chairman
• John Aba – Vice Chairman
• Zachary Lau – Secretary
• Duan Liangzheng – Treasurer
• Dan Shi
• David Leong
• Michael Leong
• Dudley Wu

ENDS//