A government delegation leaves Honiara for Taiwan today.

The Councilor for Taiwan Embassy in Honiara, Mr. Ken Lai, told Solomon Times that the trip was an invitation from the Taiwanese government.

Mr. Lai said cost of the delegation's trip is covered by the Taiwan government.

He said the delegation is a combination of all parties, including officials from the Parliamentary Opposition.

On the government side, officials include the Deputy Prime Minister, Toswell Kaua, Hon. Leslie Boseto, Hon. Clement Kengava, Hon. Charles Dausabea, Hon. Nelson Ne'e.

Officials from the Opposition side are the Leader of Opposition, Fred Fono, Deputy Opposition spokesman, Hon. Edward Huni'ehu and Hon. Johnson Koli.

"The reason for this trip is for government officials to meet with Taiwan government officials, and get to know firsthand development of Taiwan," said Mr. Lai.

He said as part of the trip, the delegation will visit cattle farms, furniture industries, renewable energy site and visit some rural development areas.

"It is hoped that the officials will utilize what they see in terms of development for the country," Mr. Lai said. "Taiwan hopes that the trip will further strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries."

The trip is the first for a combined government delegation to go to Taiwan.