High-Level EU Delegation Discusses Potential Support for Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant with MFMR Supervising Minister Hon. Wasi

A high-level delegation from the European Union (EU) today met with the supervising minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Hon. Franklyn Derek Wasi, to discuss the European Union’s interest and potential support for the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant Project (BHTPP) in Malaita Province.

The EU delegation was made up of Mr. Maurizio Cian, European Union for the Pacific Minister Counsellor and Head of Cooperation, Ambassador Barbara Plinkert, and Mr. Peteris Ustubs, Director for Asia and the Pacific at the Directorate-General for International Partnerships.

During the meeting, discussions focused on the strategic importance of the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant and opportunities for partnership in advancing the project, which is a key priority of the Solomon Islands Government aimed at increasing domestic tuna processing capacity and maximizing economic returns from the country’s fisheries resources.

The European Union’s interest in the project has continued to grow since initial engagements last year. EU representatives previously visited the Bina project site and Fiu to gain a better understanding of the project’s scope and potential. This year’s visit by a higher-level delegation, led by Director Peteris Ustubs, demonstrates the EU’s continued commitment to exploring opportunities for cooperation.

MFMR has also been engaging with the European Investment Bank (EIB), which has expressed interest in supporting major infrastructure initiatives in Solomon Islands. The Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant is among the large-scale infrastructure projects currently being considered for potential financing support.

Hon. Franklyn Derek Wasi welcomed the EU delegation’s continued engagement and expressed appreciation for the growing interest in the project.

“The Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant represents a transformative opportunity for Solomon Islands to increase local processing, create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and ensure greater benefits are derived from our fisheries resources. We welcome the European Union’s interest and look forward to further discussions on potential collaboration,” Hon. Wasi said.

The Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant Project seeks to establish a second tuna processing facility in Bina, Malaita Province, enabling Solomon Islands to capture greater value from its tuna industry.

While approximately 100,000 metric tonnes of tuna are harvested annually within Solomon Islands waters, only around 30,000 metric tonnes are processed locally.

The remaining 70,000 metric tonnes are exported as whole fish, resulting in significant lost opportunities for local employment, value addition, and economic growth.

Recognizing these challenges, the Solomon Islands Government has mandated the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) to invest in onshore tuna processing infrastructure. Since 2015, MFMR has been progressing preparatory work for the project through the Bina Harbour Project Office (BHPO), including land arrangements, infrastructure planning, environmental management, community engagement, and investment promotion.

The Bina Regional Arrangements for Governance (BRAG) continues to lead work on land access, community relations, and environmental matters, while the Planning and Design Unit oversees land and marine infrastructure planning and investment development.

The Solomon Islands Government remains committed to advancing the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant Project as a strategic investment that will contribute to sustainable economic development and long-term growth in the fisheries sector.

The EU team is expected to meet with Deputy Prime Minister Hon Francis Sade, Minister of Finance and Treasury Hon Gordon Darcy Lilo, Minister of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification Hon Derrick Manuari and Minister of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening Hon Lazarus Rina.