China’s plans to help sugar industry
CHINA will send a team to study the sugar industry in the country to better understand what is required for the sector.
This was revealed by the Chinese ambassador to Fiji Qian Bo, who said this was one of the agreements the embassy was assisting the country in.
“The Fiji Government has proposed requesting China to assist because the Fiji sugar industry was devastated by the cyclone Winston,” he said.
“A new sugar factory is badly needed and also sugar industry concerns maybe 20 per cent of the total population of Fiji.
“So that’s why the government attaches great importance and we will also help according to our capacity because we have many projects,” he said.
Mr Qian said there was a need to understand the situation of Fiji thoroughly, clearly and correctly.
“If you don't understand a situation and you do something which is not the need of the people or doesn't work, it would be a waste of time and money.
“So we need to make sure that this is really the request of the Fiji Government for the Fiji community, local community and then it will play its role.”
He emphasised the importance of differentiating between grants and loans for their projects.
“Loan is an international practice first of all it depends on the both sides and if you don't want to ask for a loan or request for a loan people will not lend money to you.”
He said the debt of Fiji concerning china occupied roughly 10 per cent which was a very small amount.
According to him the relationship between the two countries were based on a mutual respect and quality.
With projects such as the Valelevu stadium and the construction of jetties as well as volleyball courts were not a commercial investment but an assistance or grant for Fiji.
“The Valelevu stadium is one that is going to be provided by the Guangdong Province of China, the two jetties is between the Chinese central government and the government of Fiji,” said Mr Qian.
In regards to the jetties he said an agreement had been made and had been signed with Chinese engineers and the workers would arrive into the country to commence their work.
These two jetties have been proposed for the south east and the north east parts of the country costing $30 million to $50m.