The Premier of Malaita in Solomon Islands welcomes renewed investor interest in plans to set up a cannery operation in the province.
Richard Irosaea says he was surprised that two investors who were recently in Solomon Islands to discuss a potential tuna cannery location in the Foumamanu area in East Kwara'ae, didn't meet him for talks during their brief visit.
The premier says the potential for a successful private sector run cannery has always been there and an operation would not only boost the local employment but also the economy.
"This is one of the investments that Malaita province has been shouting for for a long time. And the potential in terms of harbours, we have a lot here on Malaita but we have been focussing mainly on Bina harbour or Suava Harbour. These are the two areas that we've been trying to get investments to get place. And the potential is definitely here especially as we have a lot of labour to offer as well as fishing grounds."
Richard Irosaea says the province could accommodate more than one cannery operation.