Solomons’

first NZ trade tour

The Solomon Islands first trade mission has been touring New Zea land listening, learning and seeking outlets for its products. In the same breath almost, it has been inviting NZ industries to visit the Solomons and look at the islands’ potential.

Leader of the mission was the Minister of Foreign Trade, Industry and Labour, Mr Pulepada Ghemu, who echoed his government’s hopes for stimulating trade in the Pacific region; “We have potential for develop ment and are confident of the future but the question is how to find over seas markets and get into them,” he said.

Mr Ghemu, sees Australia and New Zealand as the major initial po tential markets in his region. Later might come South-east Asian coun tries.

Although the Solomons has trad ing ties with Britain and Europe the government is looking at oppor tunities closer to home.

The trade visit at the invitation and sponsorship of the NZ Govern ment offered the delegation a chance to advertise the islands’ hardwoods, fish and handicrafts but the delegation members were also keen to discuss tourism and invest ments.

“We have guidelines for invest ments but anyone who would like to come and see what we have is most welcome,” Mr Ghemu said. He would also like to see more NZ technicians visit the islands and when the Solomons gains its sovereignty from Britain within a year its leaders want ties with other countries in the region firmly estab lished.

Mr Ghemu said he hoped invita tions would follow for trade mis sions to visit other Pacific countries.

Other members of the mission were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Trade, Industry and Labour, Mr Leonard P.

Maenu’u, member of the Legislative Assembly, Mr Philip Kapini and secretary to the Chief Minister and co-ordinator of foreign affairs, Mr Francis Bugotu.