No agreement with Chinese Gov’t to build kava factory in Pentecost: PM

November 4, 2024 10:08 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Terence Malapa.

The Prime Minister (PM), Charlot Salwai,has clarified that there is currently no bilateral agreement with the Chinese Government regarding the construction of a kava factory in Pentecost.

This statement was made following comments from colleague Member of Parliament (MP) for Pentecost Silas Bule, who spoke at a seminar in China about the potential for a kava factory to enhance government revenue.

According to the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Prime Minister’s Office, Hilaire Bule, such project would require a formal agreement between the two governments.

He said that during PM Salwai’s recent visit to China, 13 projects were signed for implementation, none of which included the kava factory.

“Both Members of Parliament from Pentecost, who attended the seminar in China, are part of the opposition bloc,’’ he said.

“They emphasized that significant projects like the proposed kava factory should be addressed through formal bilateral talks between the leaders of the two countries.’’

The idea of a kava factory is not new to the farmers on Pentecost, often referred to as the island of Kava Borogo.

Given that Pentecost is a significant producer of kava, local farmers are keen to establish a factory on the island.

Bule said that while a kava factory would be a beneficial project for the people of Pentecost, it is essential to follow proper diplomatic channels to address such initiatives with donor partners for funding.

He said this approach ensures that all necessary protocols are observed and that projects are presented in a structured manner to secure support.

The Daily Post was informed that some chiefs on Pentecost have already identified a potential site for the kava factory project.

However, the government, through the PRO, has urged the chiefs not to act hastily.