Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua and Taiwanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands, His Excellency George Chan jointly opened the Taiwanese Trade Show in Honiara yesterday morning.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr Sikua said the event marks another milestone in the mutual relationship between Solomon Islands and Taiwan since the establishment of its diplomatic relations.

Taiwan's top trade specialist, Mr Bob Lin and his delegation traveled all the way from Taiwan to stage the trade fair in Honiara. The current trade fair coincides with the Solomon Islands trade and investment promotion leading to the country's 30th Independence Celebration and the National Trade and Agriculture Show.

Dr Sikua strongly believed that the Taiwan Trade Fair will provide Solomon Islands with an opportunity to learn of the products displayed and offered during the next three (3) days with the view to creating opportunities for the private sectors of the two countries to establish trade and business linkages.

"It marks another manifestation of a strong commitment the two countries have to continue to nurture and cherish our bilateral trade, investment, culture and economic relations".

"A proactive undertaking as this clearly demonstrates a sense of determination from our donor partners and the private sectors from the Republic of China (Taiwan) to establish business contact with Solomon Islands private sectors," Dr Sikua said.

Dr Sikua said the Coalition for National Unity and Rural Advancement (CNURA) Government is firm in its commitment to realize the economic potentials via the establishment of trade, investment and economic development with our traditional development partners to fully realize these economic potentials that can be tapped from the global trade.

"The Government is keen to develop import and export competitiveness and has realized the potential of the rich natural resources in the Solomon Islands," he said. "Given the emerging importance of Foreign Direct Investment and international trade, the Solomon Islands Government is implementing policies that will encourage growth in both the import and export sectors".

"The Government is actively participating in sub-regional, regional and multilateral trade in goods and services negotiations this including negotiations on bilateral trade and economic partnership with Taiwan," the Prime Minister further said.

The delegation from Taiwan is here not only to showcase their products but also to investigate potential areas of investments. The 13 member Taiwan Trade and Investment Mission, led by Mr. Bob Lin will be in the country until 26th June 2008.

They will be exploring opportunities to sell, buy, or invest in the areas of construction, solar system, diving equipment, motor parts, fishery, processing equipment, machinery and furniture.