Gordon Darcy Lilo
Honiara – Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Gordon Darcy Lilo, says the way Australia approaches development of the region’s trade relationships is unfair and discriminatory.
“We should be inviting each other to engage in a more fair partnership,” he said.
“We are not doing that.”
Mr Lilo says there is potential for “much more meaningful” trade cooperation between Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) sub-region countries with the area’s significant natural resources.
Mr Lilo’s comments come after Papua New Guinea Trade Minister Richard Maru said PNG was considering pulling out of negotiations for a Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) trade deal.
This is between Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Island countries.
Mr Maru said PNG would rather put its effort into the free trade agreement between the Melanesian Spearhead Group of nations.
- RADIO AUSTRALIA