SHORTLAND ISLANDS CONSTITUENCY TAKES DELIVERY OF $1.5 MILLION CHINA-FUNDED RSDP FISHING PROJECT

The Shortland Islands Constituency has taken delivery of a $1.5 million fishing project funded by the People’s Republic of China (PRC), in partnership with the Ministry of Rural Development’s (MRD) Rural Sustainable Development Programme (RSDP).

The project includes 16 fiberglass open utility boats and 16 60-horsepower outboard motors, which will support transportation, livelihoods, and economic activities in rural communities across the constituency.

This support reflects the PRC’s ongoing commitment through RSDP to sustainable development, empowering communities through strategic assistance that drives long-term improvements to livelihoods and self-sufficiency across Solomon Islands.

The handover ceremony was held at Point Cruz Wharf on 20^th August before the goods were loaded onto a waiting vessel for delivery to the constituency.

Speaking on behalf of the Constituency office and the Shortland Communities, Constituency Development Committee (CDC), Caroline Laore, representing the Women of Shortland Islands, thanked the PRC for the generous assistance and for a partnership she said aligns directly with the constituency’s four-year development programme.

“It is a great honour to receive this generous gift, which reflects a profound recognition of the needs and aspirations of our people,” Ms Laore said.

“As you all know, we come from fishing backgrounds, in Solomon Islands as in China, and what you have done is ensure that our people will receive a direct benefit by improving the capacity of their fishing techniques. With modern equipment, boats and engines, our fishermen will improve their catches and their safety. They will be able to go further out to sea, and these benefits will ripple through the whole economy of the village.”

She added that the new boats, fitted with tyres at the bow to prevent cracking against rocks, and equipped with reliable engines, will improve food security and safety at sea.

“This assistance will increase household incomes, improve food security, and uplift the dignity of the hard-working men and women who depend on the ocean for their livelihood,” she said.

Ms Laore said the gesture demonstrates that China understands the daily challenges facing Solomon Islands fisherfolk.

“It shows that our friendship is not abstract, but practical, rooted in meeting real needs and improving lives. These boats and engines will serve not only today’s generation but will also stand as a legacy of cooperation and solidarity for generations to come. The income earned will help pay school fees, and our children will have the opportunity to earn degrees and doctorates, just as others now working in Honiara have done.”

She extended sincere thanks to the governments and people of China and Solomon Islands, and acknowledged the constituency’s Member of Parliament for his continued support of rural development initiatives.

“May this collaboration continue to flourish, bringing prosperity to our communities and reinforcing the enduring friendship between Solomon Islands and the People’s Republic of China,” she said.

Meanwhile, Counsellor Li Qinghua of the Chinese Embassy congratulated the Shortland Islands Constituency office and beneficiary communities on receiving the project.

She described China’s philosophy of shared global development: “The over 190 countries and regions of the world are not on separate boats. We are on one huge boat. If one room of the boat gets water, the whole boat tips and sinks. The world is a small global village, and in our philosophy, we are working for a shared future. No one should be left behind.”

Ms Li said the support represents more than boats; it is a tool for fishermen to generate income, hope for schoolchildren to access education, and a lifeline for the sick in medical emergencies.

“These gifts reflect the deep feelings and affection of the Chinese government and people toward the government and people of Solomon Islands. We want a shared future for common development and common prosperity.”

She noted that 85 percent of Solomon Islands’ population lives in rural areas, which is why PRC support is channelled through RSDP.

“If you want a tree to grow healthy, strong and bear good fruit, you should take care of the roots. Social and economic development in rural areas is like the roots, when we take care of the roots, it gives more productivity and momentum to growth. That’s why we founded the RSDP programme, focused on the social and economic development of rural areas.”

Ms Li closed by wishing the RSDP programme success in Shortland Islands, and expressed hope that Solomon Islands–China bilateral relations continue to grow from strength to strength.

The RSDP is a partnership programme between the PRC and the Solomon Islands Government through the Ministry of Rural Development. Since 2023, China has actively supported RSDP, a proposal-based initiative jointly implemented by MRD and the Chinese Embassy.

The programme aligns with China’s Global Development Initiative, including the Belt and Road Initiative, and supports Solomon Islands’ National Development Strategy (NDS) 2016–2035.

RSDP primarily targets rural and semi-urban communities, aiming to strengthen social and economic infrastructure, promote income-generating activities, and address food security and climate resilience.

Other constituencies also received similar support under the RSDP phase 2 funded projects.

Speaking on behalf of the Constituency office and the Shortland Communities, Constituency Development Committee (CDC), Caroline Laore, representing the Women of Shortland Islands, thanked the PRC for the generous assistance.

Counsellor Li Qinghua of the Chinese Embassy delivers her brief remarks.

Some of the RSDP-funded boats ready for loading.

RSDP-funded boats.

Callisto Illaha, CDC member.

– MRD Press