Solomon Islands Signs Agreements on Fisheries, Rural Development, Flood Recovery and Economic Reform

World Bank Country Director to meet with Government

HONIARA, January 29, 2014 The Solomon Islands Government today signed agreements with the World Bank for a sustainable fisheries project, funding support for rural poverty alleviation and flood relief, as well as continued economic and fiscal reform.

World Bank Country Director for Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands, Franz Drees-Grosssigned the agreements with Solomon Islands Minister of Finance Snyder Rini in Honiara.

During his two-day country visit, Mr Drees-Gross will also meet members of the Solomon Islands Government who assumed office late last year, including Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and the Finance Minister.

The Finance Minister Hon. Snyder Rini said, The World Banks support is aligned with the Governments plan to drive economic growth, improve the lives of rural people and carry out economic and financial reform.

The signing included agreements for three projects approved and announced in late 2014: US$11.12 million for a Solomon Islands investment project under the Pacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program (PROP) consisting of US$5.17 million in grants (including $US1.37 million from the Global Environment Facility Trust Fund) and US$5.95 million credit. A separate US$6.16 million grant for the Forum Fisheries Agency under the Pacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program (PROP). US$9 million for the Rural Development Program Phase Two (RDP II) comprising of a US$4 million grant and a US$5 million credit; and a US$13.3 million (AU$15 million) grant in RDP II contribution from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. A US$5 million grant for an Economic Reform and Recovery Development Policy Operation.

The three projects we are signing today will support the people of the Solomon Islands with the opportunities needed to lead more prosperous, sustainable and resilient lives, said Mr Drees-Gross. The projects are also indicative of the strong relationship between the World Bank and the Solomon Islands Government, as well as other development partners including the Australian Government, who have contributed significantly to the second phase of the Rural Development Program.

In the Solomon Islands, PROP will build the capacity of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources to better manage coastal and ocean tuna fisheries, including improving vessel monitoring and the ability of communities to carry out coastal fisheries activities.

PROP will engage with the Forum Fisheries Agency to provide regional coordination, implementation support, training and monitoring and evaluation for participating countries such as the Solomon Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and Tuvalu.

Originally posted here:

Solomon Islands Signs Agreement with World Bank