Nothing sinister about the blue economy MOU: Solomon Islands Govt

Honiara: Nothing is sinister nor trivial about the Blue Economy Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that is yet to be formalised between the Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Solomon Islands Government.

A statement from the Office of the Solomon Islands Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) made the clarification following what has been described in social media as an ‘MOU document leakage’ between the Government and PRC Government.

The statement said the Blue Economy MOU is a normal bilateral development initiative and at present it is in the consultation process with six other line government ministries.

“The MOU is still in its draft form, awaiting more insights and inputs from the line government ministries, however, its underlying objective is to tap on potential economic investment opportunities relating to ocean resources.

“Amongst other things, the MOU aims at enhancing and regulating foreign investments while protecting national interests and eradicate resource exploitation, it further aims to ensure that foreign investments are aligned with the government’s development aspirations and policies,” the statement outlined. Solomn Star