Fiji/China Belt and Road Initiative Negotiations

Christopher Jackson Mar, Nadi

It is great to hear that negotiations are in progress for the Fiji-China Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) negotiations.

There is a huge trade gap favouring China that needs to be addressed. President Xi has significantly grown the relationship between our two countries providing aid, soft loans and people to people exchanges. With BRI, there are very good shipping services but no direct flights between the two countries to facilitate trade and tourism. China would be wise to provide bilateral air services agreement between Fiji and China (without fifth freedom rights). Countries like Australia and New Zealand already have air services agreements (without fifth freedom rights) reaping significant benefits from Chinese outbound tourism yet Fiji still patiently waits for a similar agreement unfairly blocked by China's powerful airlines. By allowing Fiji air services agreement, China will recognize the special needs of small developing countries in order to trade fairly in goods and services with China, a giant economic power. This will go some way to narrow the trade imbalance. This move will also be in line with the objectives of BRI and will enhance and cement the strong and friendly relationship between our two countries.