World Bank to Increase Presence in Solomon Islands

The World Bank's Vice President for East Asia and the Pacific region, Mr. James W Adams, is in the country along with two senior representatives.

Mr Adams said that already he has had very positive discussions with the Prime Minister on Friday. High on the agenda was the need to encourage more foreign investment into the country.

He said that there are many opportunities for the Solomon Islands if the government improves some of the basic infrastructures in the rural areas.

Mr. Adams also stated that there would be assistance given to the forestry sector to improve analysis and monitoring as it would keep this all important sector more profitable and sustainable.

Mr Adams made it very clear that The World Bank is looking to increase its presence in Solomon Islands with the setting up of a new office in the capital, Honiara.

A country manager will be appointed to the Honiara office, which Mr Adams says will be operational in several months time.