- Your Excellency Mr. Lui Zhaohui, the Chairman, China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA),
- Your Excellency Zhou Jian, Ambassador of the Republic of China to the Republic of Fiji;
- Officials from the Office of the Prime Minister and Embassy of the
Peoples Republic of China; and - Ladies and Gentlemen.
Ni Sa Bula Vinaka and a Very Good Afternoon to you All
It is my privilege to be here this afternoon for the singning of the Memorandum of Understanding for the generous China Aid Projects including for the Juncao promotion and agricultural cooperation, and for the maintenance and upgdade of 80 kilometres of roads in Vanua Levu under the Global Development Initiative of the Peoples Republic of China.
We continue to see the generosity of our friends from the Republic of China with the commitments and mutual agreement in our Memorandum of Understanding.
I also wish to commend China’s ongoing cooperation in advancing issues of mutual priorities at the regional and global arena.
I also wish to reiterate the Peoples’ Coalition Government’s commitment to strengthen our partnership for the mutual benefit of both the nations’.
I thank His Excellency Luo Zhaohui for our continuing discussions on the prospects for future cooperation in the areas of socioeconomic development.
The “One China Principle”, has been the firm foundation of Fiji-China diplomatic relations, founded some 49 years ago
Today’s Memorandum of Understanding confirms our mutual agreement for continuing assistance under the Global Development Initative launched by President Xi Jinping in September 2021 at the UN HQ in New York, during the UN General Assembly. The GDI aims to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and is committed to building a global community of development.
Since then, Fiji along with 100 other countries have benefitted from the Global Development Initiative.
The Agreement on the Economic and Technical Cooperation between the governments of China and Fiji under the Global Development Initiative has been of great assistance. The MOU we are signing today is a mutual agreement for continuing development cooperation between Fiji and PRC, in particular the furtherance of agriculture cooperation. Under the MOU, Fiji will receive more agriculture experts and we also agree to cooperation in the promotion of Juncao Technology to our fellow Pacific Island Countries.
Earlier this year, the Hon. Prime Minister signed the exchange of notes for the upgrade of 80km of roads in Vanua Levu that will bring about $300m to our country.
The tar-sealing of the three roads have been prioritised as this will increase connectivity in Vanua Levu and give rise to new economic opportunities.
In addition the upgrade of these roads will improve access to remote villages and communities to improve access to markets, education, health
care, public services and associated economic activities, as well as effective construction and management of sealed and unsealed road network.
In closing I thank the Government and people of the Republic of China, H.E. Luo Zhaohui, Chairman CIDCA and H.E. Ambassador Zhou Jian for the generous China Aid for this project.
I thank you all.
Vinaka vakalevu.