The Honourable Franklyn Derek Wasi, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) has delivered a keynote address at the International Tropical Agricultural Science & Technology Industry Cooperation and Exchange Agenda, held in Haikou, Hainan Province, People’s Republic of China (PRC) on Wednesday 11th June, 2025.
Representing the Solomon Islands Government and its people, Minister Wasi expressed gratitude to the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS) and the Ministry of Commerce of the PRC for the invitation and generous support in organizing the Conference.
He noted the significance of the event being held in Hainan, a province which has recently signed a letter of intent (LOI) with the Rennell and Bellona Province’s Premier to establish a sister relationship.
“Agriculture remains the backbone of many economies across the tropical countries, and for the Solomon Islands, it is vital to livelihoods, food security, and national development,” said Minister Wasi. “Our communities depend on subsistence and semi-commercial farming, which is why integrating science, technology, and innovation, is not just desirable it is essential.”
Minister Wasi also highlighted the urgent need for modernizing agricultural systems, managing natural resources sustainably, and equipping farmers especially women and youth with the tools and knowledge to adapt and prosper in the face of climate change.
He outlined key areas where Solomon Islands ministry of agriculture and livestock is keen to deepen cooperation and partnership:
- Climate-smart agriculture and integrated farming systems
- Research on priority tropical crops such as coconut, taro, cassava, and cocoa
- Capacity building for agricultural scientists and extension workers
- Technology transfer in post-harvest management and value chain development, and
- Promotion of sustainable livestock systems suited to island ecosystems
Minister Wasi reaffirmed the Solomon Islands’ strong commitment to regional and international partnerships in agricultural development, highlighting the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a vehicle for promoting growth and connectivity, and emphasized the value of South-South Cooperation as a platform to address shared development challenges.
“We continue to value forums like this one for fostering mutual understanding, exchanging knowledge, and building shared prosperity in the tropical world,” he said. “Our goal is to build real partnerships that deliver tangible benefits for our farmers and rural communities.”
Minister Wasi concluded by sincerely acknowledging the Government of People’s Republic of China, the Ministry of Commerce, and CATAS for their ongoing support and commitment to build a more resilient and sustainable agriculture sector for Solomon Islands.
Source: MAL Press Release
