HONIARA (Pacnews) — The Solomon Islands government has told donors it needs SI$718 million ($109.9 million) for its National Economic Recovery Plan.
The government said it needs SI$66 million ($10.1 million) for its operational costs, SI$300 million ($45.9 million) for its development budget and a further SI$52 million ($8 million).
Presenting the plan were Prime Minister Allan Kemakeza, Deputy Prime Minister Synder Rini, Finance Minister Lawrie Chan and Central Bank Gov. Rick Hou.
Pleading for understanding from international donors, Kemakeza said the plan aims to alleviate poverty and facilitate the private sector, as well as the provincial administrations assist in the economic recovery process.
It needs a further SI$300 million for balance sheet restructuring.
The donors, including representatives from the governments of Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, the EU, the United Kingdom, the United States, as well as representatives from the Asian Development Bank, the UNDP, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the Commonwealth Secretariat, have welcomed the presentation.
They have committed their willingness to cooperate with Honiara, and promised to discuss the issue at a bilateral level.
