The Solomon Islands National University will soon open a Fishery Science Department under a Republic of Korea funded project.
This was sealed during the signing of an agreement between Solomon Islands and the Republic of Korea under the Framework Arrangement for Grant Aid 2014.
Under the agreement, project for establishment and capacity building of Fishery Science Department at the Solomon Islands National University was included.
It will be implemented by Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in Honiara from 2014 to 2017 and will be one of KOICA’s three target areas for development.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Permanent Secretary, Beraki Jino in showing appreciation said it is another milestone in the existing vibrant relation between both countries.
The people and the Government of Solomon Islands are ever grateful to the Republic of Korea for this project; the implications of establishing a Fishery Science Department within our national university are huge, Mr Jino said.
Not only will it cater towards capacity building through human resources development and sustainable management of a sector that contributes much to Solomon Islands’ livelihood and revenue, but it will also build up SINU as an estimable regional institution, he said.
Mr Jino said this is yet another indication of the Republic of Korea’s commitment to Solomon Islands.
I urge SINU and all relevant stakeholders in the Solomon Islands to take ownership and mutually show their commitment to this project.
To the staff of KOICA Solomon Islands, we sincerely thank you for the on-going and invaluable support in implementing assistance for the Solomon Islands in the Forestry, Fishery and Health sectors since your office’s establishment in 2012, he added.
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, Kim Seong-Choon said for national development to eventuate successfully education with effective utilization of human resources are a must.
I belief, the most important factor for national development is the education and effective utilization of human resources.
He said this is where the project aims at in establishing and offering training programs.
It will enhance the skills and capabilities of Solomon Islanders in fisheries, while helping Solomon Islands have a sustainable institution of fisheries sector.
This project can be rated as part of Korea’s effort to assist Solomon Islands for its sustainable development of fisheries sector, one of key industries, Mr Seong-Choon said.
It is one of tailored development assistance to Solomon Islands by Korea.
2014 Solomon Star News