Organize exchange activities to promote the cocoa industry

Strongim Bisnis Australia recently hosted a cocoa networking evening to connect Solomon Islands cocoa businesses, international cocoa buyers and the Solomon Islands and Australian governments.

Australia also arranged for eight international cocoa buyers from Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the United States and Japan to attend the meeting, providing them with the opportunity to explore potential export partnerships in the Solomon Islands cocoa industry.

Minister of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration Harry Kuma reiterated at the cocoa exchange that the department remains committed to working with cocoa stakeholders and Australia to lay the foundations for substantial growth in the cocoa industry.

“On this occasion, I would like to thank the Australian Government for facilitating collaborations such as these which have the potential to secure market access and increase export volumes. This will enhance the reputation of Solomon Islands cocoa internationally while supporting the local industry and local jobs. I would like to thank our international guests for visiting and expressing their interest in our cocoa industry. I am very grateful to the Australian Government for hosting this exchange event. Let us together build a strong partnership to take the Solomon Islands cocoa industry to new heights,” said Minister Kuma.

Cocoa is one of the largest agricultural export earners in the Solomon Islands, providing income-earning opportunities for more than 25,000 smallholder farmers and more than 10 processors and exporters, generating export sales of 15 million Somali dollars per year.

Australian Economic Advisor Emily Flahive reiterated Australia’s strong support for the Solomon Islands cocoa industry and creating jobs for Solomon Islanders.

“This is about jobs, livelihoods and economic growth. We know it is one of the country’s largest agricultural export earners, with exports worth more than $15 million per year. We know that the new Manele government’s priority is to harness the country’s natural resources like cocoa and other commodities like coconuts and fish, and Australia is very proud to be the number one economic partner of the Solomon Islands. Australia has long supported the cocoa industry through Strongim Bisnis. This is a great example of our growing economic partnership. Through Strongim Bisnis, we work with farmers in Makira, Malaita, Western and Guadalcanal provinces. Investing more than $2.7 million in these local partnerships,” said Ms Flahive.

James Khanna, speaking on behalf of the Cocoa Industry Working Group, thanked the Solomon Islands and Australian governments for their continued support to the cocoa industry.

“Despite challenges such as volatile market prices and climate change, the cocoa sector continues to thrive thanks to the dedication and commitment of various organisations and programmes that work closely together to support smallholder farmers and provide them with training, resources and access to international markets. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the Australian Government for its unwavering support to Strongim Bisnis and its sister programme Phama Plus to support the sector. Similarly, I would like to thank the Solomon Islands Government for its continued support over the years to create an enabling environment and trade opportunities,” said Mr Kana.

Through Strongim Bisnis and PHAMA Plus, Australia assists its cocoa partners in product diversification and value addition, aggregating high-quality dry beans, biosecurity, and finding new domestic and export markets for cocoa products to stimulate growth in the industry and increase income and employment opportunities.

Source: Press release, Strongim Bisnis