COCONUT POTENTIAL ECONOMIC DRIVER, SAYS RARAMO
Wilson Kikolo making a presentation, looking on is Chairman Raramo. Photo credit: Redley Raramo.
“Coconut has the potential to become the country’s major driver of our economy” says the Chair of the Trade Expo Solomon Islands Committee, Redley Raramo.
Mr Raramo made the statement during a visit to the Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands – a locally owned company that produces virgin coconut oil and coconut oil based soaps.
He said it is time that the government reaches out to local producers who have contributed significantly to the economy of this country.
He also stressed the Government must give incentives to encourage local producers and keep their businesses running.
His visit to the company was part of the Committee’s prep work for this year’s Trade Expo.
Meanwhile, a company spokesman, Wilson Kikolo said their vision is to help rural people.
Mr Kikolo said Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands encourages downstream processing and maximizing the usage of the coconut plant.
He said the company’s ambition is to replace vegetable cooking oil with coconut cooking oil.
He said coconut cooking oil can become a prospective export product once given the right support and backing by the government.
SIBC News understands Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands have certified farmers across the country who are registered under the DME Extra virgin Coconut Oil.