The country's rural areas have seen very little growth or development since independence almost 30 years ago.

Prime Minister Sikua has just returned from a tour of Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand.

He says discussions have been in place on the proposed expansion of RAMSI's role with the leaders of the three countries, and also outlined the key areas where RAMSI could be of help in rural communities.

The key areas that were outlined include the health sector, education sector, infrastructure and other sectors to do with income generation and economic activities.