BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Solomon Islands Government calls for stronger regional cooperation and immediate action to advance maritime development across the Pacific.
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele highlighted this when he spoke at the 25th session of the Asia-Pacific Heads of Maritime Safety Agencies (APHoMSA) Forum currently underway in Honiara.
The Forum commenced on Monday 13th and will conclude tomorrow 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 at the opening ceremony, PM Manele said that the Marine sector goes beyond ships and ports, serving as a vital link connecting communities to essential services such as health, education and markets.
He said that the country’s maritime sector is central to its identity and economic survival.
“Solomon Islands is at its core a maritime nation, and our ocean defines who we are as a people and our future,” he said.
The Prime Minister urges members of the Asia-Pacific maritime body (APHoMSA) to move from dialogue to implementation, seeing that while the organisation has played an important role in knowledge sharing, the region now faces urgent challenges.
“These include the global shift towards low-carbon shipping, increasing digitalisation, maritime safety concerns, and the growing need for a skilled workforce,” he told delegates.
He said that Pacific Island nations risk being left behind if they fail to adapt, potentially becoming destinations for outdated vessels and missing out on global maritime opportunities.
“To address these challenges, Pacific countries have developed the Pacific One Maritime Framework, which is expected to be endorsed by regional ministers. The framework aims to guide investment, cooperation and transformation in the sector, ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth,” PM Manele said.
He however, said that its success will depend on strong partnerships beyond the Pacific.
He calls on (APHoMSA) members to step up technical cooperation, support joint projects and invest in practical solutions.
“Solomon Islands has already begun implementing pilot projects focused on energy-efficient shipping, port development and workforce training, and is inviting partners to collaborate,” he said.
He voiced confidence that the meeting in Honiara will deliver concrete outcomes and strengthen regional commitment to a shared maritime future.
Photo: Supplied
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