Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale has reaffirmed his government's commitment to strengthening ties with China's Jiangsu Province, seeking to expand cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, education and workforce development to support the country's long-term economic growth.
During talks with Jiangsu Vice Governor Zhao Yan at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, both sides agreed to deepen collaboration beyond existing programs under the sister-province partnership between Jiangsu and Malaita Province.
Zhao said Jiangsu is looking to broaden cooperation across key development sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, education and professional training, while promoting innovation, science and technology to improve agricultural productivity, food security and sustainable growth.
"We aim to strengthen exchanges at all levels and deepen practical cooperation," Zhao said.
He also praised the Solomon Islands government's education reforms and reaffirmed Jiangsu's commitment to supporting expanded vocational training and skills development.
"Jiangsu stands ready to work closely with Solomon Islands to translate our leaders' consensus into tangible outcomes and take our cooperation to a new level," Zhao said.
Prime Minister Wale described Jiangsu as a strategic partner capable of supporting the country's broader development agenda.
"Jiangsu Province represents an immense opportunity for Solomon Islands—not only for Malaita, but for our nation as a whole," Wale said.
He said education remains central to his government's vision for national development, emphasizing that investment in skills and human capital is critical to building a stronger and more resilient economy.
"Education is fundamental to our national transformation. It equips our people with the skills, knowledge and discipline to build a stronger, more resilient Solomon Islands," Wale said.
He added that partnerships with experienced international counterparts could help accelerate development while enabling the country to benefit from proven approaches in education, innovation and economic planning.
The meeting underscores the growing economic and development cooperation between Solomon Islands and China's Jiangsu Province, with both sides seeking to expand collaboration in sectors that support sustainable growth, food security and workforce development.
