MAL Minister Wasi visiting the stalls during the opening ceremony at the 4th Pacific Agriculture and Forestry Meeting in Nuku’alofa, Tonga
The Honorable Franklyn Derek Wasi, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), is currently attending the 4th Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry (PWAF), held in Nuku’alofa, Tonga.
This premier regional event brings together ministers and heads of agriculture and forestry from across the Pacific Island countries, along with development partners, researchers, investors, and non-governmental organizations. It serves as a crucial platform for collaboration, policy dialogue, and the advancement of sustainable agriculture and forestry practices across the region.
The Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry is held biennially, with previous sessions hosted in Vanuatu (2017), Samoa (2019), and Fiji (2023). The 2025 event now underway in Nuku’álofa, marks the fourth session, highlighting continued regional efforts toward strengthening food systems and addressing climate resilience.
Throughout the week-long forum, ministers will deliberate on key issues, including:
• Endorsement of outcomes from previous Pacific Ministers for Agriculture and Forestry meetings,
• Development and implementation of a regional strategy for growing Pacific agriculture and forestry,
• Enhancing resilient and efficient domestic production systems in the face of climate change, and
• Sharing national experiences and innovations.
Minister Wasi is scheduled to present the Solomon Islands’ country paper on agriculture, outlining national priorities, challenges, and opportunities within the sector.
He is also expected to engage in several bilateral meetings to advocate for Solomon Islands’ agricultural interests and strengthen cooperation with regional partners.
Accompanying the Minister is the Permanent Secretary of MAL, Dr. Samson Viulu. Both are expected to return to the country later this weekend.
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MAL Press
