Pacific Island Countries (PICs) are important economic and trade partners of China, says Chinese ambassador to Fiji Qian Bo.
He said this during the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China briefing in Suva recently.
“According to statistics of the Chinese side, from 1992 to 2021, total trade volume between China and PICs having diplomatic relations with China grew from $US153 million ($F351,731m) to $US5.3 billion ($F12.18b),” he said.
“Registering in average annual increase of 13 per cent and expanding by over 30 times in 30 years – by the end of 2021, China’s direct investment in PICs having diplomatic relations with China has reached $US2.72 ($F6.25b).”
Mr Bo said the relationship between China and Fiji was “excellent”.
“We call it comprehensive strategic partnership and since the establishing of a diplomatic relationship in 1975, the bilateral relationship has developed smoothly and rapidly – we are very proud of that.
“The principles that China commits to is – mutual respect, equality, win-win cooperation and the principle of openness and inclusiveness – we have a saying that no matter how the international landscape is, China commits ourselves to be a journey friend to Fiji.”
He said they were willing to synergise China’s development strategy with Fiji’s development strategy.
“We will bear in mind and study very carefully the priorities of Fiji and we fully understand Fiji like many other countries in the region are experiencing difficulties because of COVID.
“So we need to work with Fiji and support each other particularly in areas of tourism, agriculture, fisheries and climate change.”
