China a strategic partner for Fiji, PICs, says Kumar
As small island developing states, we cannot afford to pick and choose our trade partners
Fiji and the Pacific Island Countries (PICs) look upon China’s support and assistance to combat global challenges that threaten the multilateral trading system.
So said Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Premila Kumar during the Trade Thematic Forum. . The subforum was held at Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Hotel and Bungalows as part of the 3rd ChinaPacific Island Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Forum in Apia. “We need to vigorously enhance practical cooperation and be good partners of win-win cooperation,” Mrs Kumar said.
“Both China and the Pacific Island countries are at a crucial stage of development with unprecedented opportunities and challenges.
Regional cooperation
“The world is going through faster economic integration and regional cooperation is booming,” Mrs Kumar said.
“In this regard, China-Pacific Island countries have stepped up efforts to enhance regional connectivity through infrastructure development and more people to people exchanges.”
She said for the PICs, international trade was important.
“As small island developing states, we cannot afford to pick and choose our trade partners.
“Due to connectivity and distance, Pacific has unique needs and is at risk of being left behind by the current shifts in global trends if we do not take action.
“Given our small size, it remains a challenge for the Pacific to be knitted in the bigger trading blocs.”
E-commerce
She said Trade in Services such as e-commerce provided the alternative and was an important aspect of today’s economy.
“It offers opportunities to overcome some of the traditional obstacles to trade, including the costs associated with physical distance. “This opens up unprecedented opportunities for businesses to engage in cross-border trade. “While it is clear that ecommerce can unleash great potential, we also need to be aware of the challenges involved. Without the right framework including the appropriate regulatory and legal oversight in place.”
Tourism
“The benefits of tourism are widespread, especially for the growth of the rural and grassroot communities,” she said.
The China-Pacific Tourism Initiative 2020-2024 will be another important platform for tourism cooperation between the PICs and China. “I encourage the Pacific Tourism Organisation to work closely with National Tourism Organisations in the respective PICs to ensure this Initiative delivers tourism projects for the region that complement national efforts in developing sustainable tourism.” Mrs Kumar said the PICs looked forward to China’s assistance in developing the region.