China to provide over SBD100 million for Auki tar sealing 

By Ian Kaukui

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) will be providing a funding assistance of more than SBD 100 million for the Tar sealing of Auki road and other priority projects.

Prime Minister, Hon. Jeremiah Manele confirmed this to local media last week.

He said whilst in Beijing, his delegation met with both Premier Li Qiang, and President Xi Jinpin on separate occasions to discuss matters of mutual interest to both countries.

“I am very happy to inform you that during these meetings China confirmed it will provide grant funding exceeding $100 million dollars to finance the Auki Road tar sealing project and other priority projects agreed between the two governments,” he said.

Manele said during the meeting with Premier Li Qiang, they also witnessed the signing of MOUs to increase trade, provide scholarships, and enhance new cooperation.

He said in terms of trade, they have signed three protocols to broaden, diversify and facilitate trade in agriculture, and marine products.

“Those protocols aims to grow the country’s economy,” he said.

In terms of Education, the Minister of Education signed an MOU on strengthening Education partnership between the two countries.

“China has offered thirty scholarships annually to Solomon Islands students. We currently have 133 students studying in different fields, many are in the science department,” the Prime Minister stated.

Manele said together with the 5 post grad scholarships offered by Fujian Province, and 2 post grad scholarships offered by Shandong province to Isabel province, China will provide up to 37 scholarships in the next year.

Meanwhile, work on the Auki Tar sealing project is expected to commence before the end of the year.

The Prime Minister said China also announced that it is considering the government’s request to extend the international airport runway, to enable larger long-haul aircrafts to land in Honiara and to enhance trade between the two countries.

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