Samoa Govt Acknowledges China’s Role in Development
The government of Samoa has acknowledged the contribution of China to the country’s long-term development including the success of hosting the 2019 XVI Pacific Games during China’s 70th anniversary celebrations. Deputy Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa, made the acknowledgement at the Sheraton Samoa Hotel in Apia when she joined Chinese Ambassador Chao Xiaoliang, Government leaders and members of the diplomatic community to celebrate the People’s Republic of China’s 70th anniversary.
Mr Xiaoliang, in his official address to the invited guests, said the last 70 years were characterised by the rise of the Chinese nation under the leadership of the Communist Party of China.
“The past 70 years have witnessed the spectacular rise of the Chinese nation under the firm leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people have united as one and achieved historic feats,” he said.
The Deputy PM said the Samoa Government acknowledged the Ambassador’s commitment to further grow Samoa-China relations and the country wished the people and nation of China every success. “Your excellency, we acknowledge your commitment aim furthering this relationship as well as your office in taking matters of our bilateral relationship,” she said.
“We commend China some serious efforts towards the government of its’ people and partners. For that, the celebration of every year of the anniversary of the founding of the PRC is a significant event. We wish the PRC every success in the future.” Mr Xiaoliang then gave a rundown on the growth of the Chinese economy which includes GDP increasing by more than 450 times, from US$30 billion (FJ$65 billion) in the early years of ‘new’ China to more than US$13.6 trillion (FJ$29.79 trillion) in 2018. Consequently, China now has the worlds’ second largest economy.
The Gross National Income of China has also increased by 135 times, from US$70 (FJ$153) to US$9470 (FJ$20,741) in 2018, added the Ambassador, which made his country the world’s top manufacturer for over 200 products to become a large industrial country. And with the
Total trades of goods increased by 224 times, from US$20 billion (FJ$43.80 billion) to US$4.62 trillion (FJ$10.12 trillion), China is now the largest trader in goods and the second largest destination of inflows of foreign investment.
“China will not stop its’ effort to pursue higher-quality opening-up,” Mr Xiaoliang said.
It is said the 2019 XVI Pacific Games would not have been successful without China’s involvement, which Fiame made reference to in her speech.
She said China’s construction of the Multi-sports Complex, the renovation of the Apia Park Stadium, Aquatic Center and the training of Samoan athletes and chefs in China and in-country were critical elements of the Games infrastructure and personnel, and contributed to its overall success.