Under the new agreement there will be support from Taiwan on efforts on screening and introducing crop varieties, seed production, training, demonstration, extension and marketing of rice, small scale pig farming and poultry rising.

HE Ambassador Chan stated that there will be new emphasis in strengthening the technical assistance in pursuing study for food processing, value-dating and initiating commercial rice farms development.

Under the agreement, Taiwan will also provide the know how on farmers association and cooperation.

This agreement is expected to create avenues for further development for farmers within Solomon Islands.

HE Ambassador George Chan states that the agreement has profound and far reaching significance, "this not only unfolds our common vision but further enhances our partnership."

Ambassador Chan also expressed grievances of the dramatic climate change, the depletion of natural resources, the higher oil price and sharply decreasing land needed for food crops production.

"Resulting from the strong demand for rising bio-fuels production in advanced economies, the crisis of rising food price may also create an opportunity for Solomon Islands," said HE Chan.

Solomon Times was informed that the new Agreement is an outcome of a series of wide-ranging consultation between Taiwan and Solomon Islands in the last few months.

The agreement is also a sign of a strengthened relationship between the two countries.