Fiji to further diplomatic relations with China
Fiji looks forward to further build diplomatic relations with China, says Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Premila Kumar.
Mrs Kumar was attending the 3rd China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Forum in Apia, Samoa.
She said: “Over the years, [ChinaPacific] cooperation has enriched both our individual nations, and the Pacific region as a whole.
“It is clear evidence our common desire to explore more trade and investment cooperation opportunities between China and the Pacific Island Countries.”
She challenged those present to use the forum as more than a chance to network.
“You have the chance to forge business deals that will develop economies, change lives, and increase the sense of harmony shared between our nations.”
Mrs. Kumar said the Pacific Island Countries were rich in natural resources and had great potential for economic development.
“Yet, [the Pacific] are also confronted by obstacles that, if left unaddressed, can hamper our economic growth –– including geographic isolation that challenges the accessibility to our markets, infrastructure that proves expensive and challenging to develop, and, above all, extreme vulnerability to climate change that can wipe out huge portions of our GDPs.”
Referencing Fiji, she said: “[Fiji] has continued to press larger, developed economies to take urgent and dramatic action to combat climate change –– a crisis that, here in the Pacific, in China, and around the world, is the fight for our lives.”
She acknowledged the Chinese Government for contributing to a more resilient Pacific economy.
She said: “In order to continue to deepen the cooperation between Pacific Island Countries and China, we need to explore new pathways to developing a sustainable economy that tackles these challenges head-on before it’s too late.
“In our efforts for enhanced cooperation, we will also work closely to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including its 17 Sustainable Development Goals.”