Press Release
15 January 2026
The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (JAAS) from China held a virtual signing on 14 January 2026 to strengthen collaboration in agricultural research, innovation, and capacity building. The agreement will support joint research, training, and knowledge exchange in priority areas including food safety, smart agriculture, and climate-resilient farming solutions.
The signing was formally endorsed by SINU Acting Vice-Chancellor and Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic Associate Professor Eric Katovai and JAAS Vice President Professor Wang Ran.
The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration between the two institutions in agricultural science and innovation. It aims to foster a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship, supporting research, capacity building, and innovation in the Solomon Islands.
Under the MoU, the parties have agreed to collaborate in the following areas:
- Joint Research, Training, and Knowledge Exchange: Establishing a Joint Agricultural Research Laboratory to support SINU in addressing national development priorities, focusing on food safety, agricultural product processing, smart agriculture, and related areas.
- Capacity Strengthening: Enhancing skills of SINU researchers and students through formal and informal training and mentorship, leveraging JAAS resources.
- Exchange of Germplasm and Research Materials: Sharing research materials, including traditional knowledge, in compliance with relevant national intellectual property and biosecurity laws.
- Joint Funding Applications: Collaborating on research funding applications from agencies in both countries and international organizations.
- Other Mutually Agreed Activities: Supporting additional initiatives as determined by both parties.
Speaking at the signing, SINU Acting Vice Chancellor Dr. Eric Katovai expressed gratitude for formalizing the partnership.
โThis MoU reflects a shared commitment to strengthening agricultural science, innovation, and capacity building in response to pressing regional priorities, particularly climate resilience, food security, and sustainable agricultural systems,โ said Dr. Katovai.
โFor the Solomon Islands, these are critical national challenges that require strong scientific partnerships and long-term institutional collaboration. We recognise JAAS as a leading agricultural research institution with advanced facilities, extensive expertise, and a strong record of international engagement, including its role in the China Pacific Islands Countries Agriculture Cooperation and Demonstration Center.โ
He added, โThis partnership provides a framework for joint research, researcher and student training, knowledge exchange, and co-investment while respecting national laws, cultural values, and the protection of local and traditional knowledge. Importantly, it establishes governance mechanisms to ensure transparency, accountability, and shared ownership of outcomes.โ
The Solomon Islands Ambassador to China, His Excellency Barrett Salato, who witnessed the signing via Zoom, described the MoU as an important milestone.
โI am pleased and grateful to witness the signing of this MoU between SINU and JAAS. It marks a significant step forward for both institutions, and the Embassy stands ready to support its implementation,โ Ambassador Salato said.
Speaking at the ceremony, Wang Kehua, CPC Committee Secretary of JAAS, highlighted that the MoU is more than a formal agreement. It is a practical guide for a five-year collaborative plan.
He outlined three priority areas:
- Building a Collaborative Platform: Advancing the Joint Agricultural Research Laboratory, integrating JAAS research resources with SINUโs local expertise, focusing on agricultural product processing, food safety, and smart agriculture.
- Focusing on Key Technologies: Addressing climate change challenges in Pacific agriculture, including research on green prevention and control technologies for crop pests such as the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle, contributing Chinese strength to food security in the Solomon Islands.
- Talent Cultivation: Welcoming SINU scholars and students to Nanjing for visits, exchanges, and study, leveraging JAAS research expertise to nurture modern agricultural science and technology talent for the Solomon Islands.
The MoU takes effect from the date of signing and will remain valid for five years.
ENDS//