BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Bradley Tovosia, Acting Minister for Infrastructure and Development welcomed delegates to the 25th session of the Asia-Pacific Heads of Maritime Safety Agencies (APHoMSA) Forum currently underway in Honiara.
Solomon Islands is hosting APHoMSA that commenced on Monday 13th and will conclude tomorrow, Friday 17th April at the National Aquatic Centre.
The one-week forum brought together 50 heads of Maritime Safety Agencies and Senior Officials from 21 countries across Asia and Pacific with other partner organisations.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Tovosia, said Solomon Islands is and foremost a maritime nation.
He told delegates that Solomon Islands is a country of more than 900 islands spread across a vast ocean area of over 1.6 million square kilometres.
“Our population is growing rapidly and it will exceed one million people, one million in the coming years, all relaying on the maritime transport for their daily lives,” he said.
He said that one hundred and eighty domestic vessels connect the islands with around 700 foreign vessel calls each year have been fishing vessels and the rest serving logging, mining and general supplies.
“We have thousands of small boats, moving people and goods between our communities. Our ports, are gateways for economy, supporting exports, imports and livelihoods across the country. That is why we are particularly honoured to welcome the heads of maritime safety agencies from across the Asia and the Pacific, some of you coming from across the Pacific. You are visiting a country that understands deeply the importance of maritime transport, its opportunities, its challenges and its responsibility.
“This week, we are proud to showcase our maritime sector, our people and our ocean. We hope that during your time here, you will enjoy our country, our strength, friendship, and strengthen our friendships and build the partnerships that will shape the future of maritime cooperation in a region. On behalf of the government of Solomon Islands, I warmly welcome you,” Tovosia said.
Photo: Supplied
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