THE Prime Minister says the country’s economic aspiration is heavily dependent on existing resources.

Speaking during the launching of CBSI’s 2016-2017 report, Hon Manasseh Sogavare said the existing challenge is how to utilise the resources and also how to assist people in the rural areas to fully participate in economic activities.

The Prime Minister told those present that facilitating and implementing programmes that would help the country realise its potential is still lacking.

Prime Minister Sogavare said successive governments have established policies that are relevant to encourage people to participate but there are still missing links that are blockage to the ambitions.

The Prime Minister adds that past government have also injected more time and effort to domesticate development, but there are always hindrances that boycott government plans.

Prime Minister Sogavare said his government is trying its best to assist people in the rural areas fully participate in the economic development of the country.

The Prime Minister explained that efforts made always have negative elements and this includes; land disputes, lack of proper infrastructure and also lack of commitment to facilitate and implement development programmes in the rural areas.

Prime Minister Sogavare said there are lots of unaddressed issues that needs to be addressed in shaping proper intervention to encourage rural participation in economic development and this requires collective efforts and partnership between the government, donor partners and also civil society groups.

“If the government is unable to help the 80 percent of people in the rural areas, then donor partners should step in and assist us in some ways,” the Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister Sogavare said Solomon Islands is still lugging behind in its full potential to drive the economy forward.