The Minister for Youth and Sports Honourable Laisenia Tuitubou has urged the senior officials of his ministry to take advantage of the relationship that exists between Fiji and the People’s Republic of China.
Hon. Tuitubou this week met with a delegation from the Shenzhen Municipal Government of the Province of Guangdong in China and stated that the ministry will explore assistance and develop further relations with Shenzhen.
“The meeting we had opens up areas the ministry can expedite to strengthen our core business – and that is youth and sports development in Fiji,” said Hon Tuitubou.
“They have offered us their services and are willing to assist in areas of common interest especially sports and youth entrepreneurship.
“I have met with our senior staff and have requested that they see where and what we can urgently prepare in response to these offers in appreciation of their time and willingness to come to Fiji to offer their assistance.”
The minister emphasised to his ministry officials that these frequent visits by various delegations from the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the result of the successful visit by the Chinese President to Fiji and Prime Minister Bainimarama's recent visit to China.
“There is indeed a strong relationship that exists between the two countries and we need to ensure that there are continuous exchanges of communications and programs,” said Hon. Tuitubou.
The delegation was led by Deputy Secretary General of Shenzhen Municipal Government Mr Zhu Tingfeng.
Mr Zhu told Mr Tuitubou; “This visit is to assure the ministry and the Fijian Government that there are areas of common interest we can strengthen further in the future.”
“Shenzhen is willing to provide assistance to Fiji and we will welcome any delegation to China to come and visit and discuss further areas we can develop our relationships.”