CHINA GIVES $1M MORE
To support Fijian Government’s recovery efforts after cyclones
The Chinese Government donated $1million in humanitarian aid to Fiji in support of the Fijian Government’s rebuilding and recovery works in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclones Yasa and Ana.
At the grant handover certificate signing programme yesterday, the cheque was formally presented to Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama by the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Fiji Qian Bo.
Mr Bainimarama acknowledged the People’s Republic of China for the timely assistance that will complement the Fijian Government’s efforts on economic recovery and building climate resilience.
Mr Bainimarama said this assistance affirmed the strengthened collaboration between Fiji and the People’s Republic of China and it is a testament to China’s commitment to advance the levels of engagements with Fiji.
In response, Ambassador Qian said the assistance was a reflection of the enhanced bilateral relationship between the two nations.
“China is ready to, together with the Fijian side, constantly enhance mutual trust, continue to firmly support each other on issues concerning respective core interests, strengthen the synergy of development strategies to jointly facilitate cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative,” he said at the Office of the Prime Minister.
“These include initiatives to expand people-to-people and cultural exchanges including tourism, reinforce communication and coordination on issues such as climate change under multilateral mechanisms, and make joint efforts to safeguard free trade and multilateralism, so as to continuously push forward our comprehensive strategic partnership.”
Ambassador Qian said the assistance provided was also in appreciation of the Fijian Government’s unprecedented commitment to rebuild the lives of Fijian communities who have been affected by the two cyclones.
It is highly anticipated that 60 per cent of the grant could be allotted to the Ministry of Education, 20 per cent to the Ministry of Agriculture, and 20 per cent to the Ministry of Fisheries since these three sectors were most affected after the two cyclones.