While its two powerful neighbours (Australia and New Zealand) take baby steps in restoring economic and political ties, China is taking giant strides in its relations with Fiji.
The recent visit of a high-level delegation to Suva would become a corner-stone in bilateral relations between China and Fiji.
Wu Bangguo, Chairman and Party Secretary of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress was in the Fijian capital on September 22, 2012 with a group of government officials and businesspersons.
Their mission was to express the Chinese Government’s support to Mr Bainimarama and his interim government and to explore investment and commercial opportunities in Fiji.
The delegation may have achieved its objectives, for, apart from signing three major agreements with the Fijian Government, Mr Bangguo was able to impress upon Fijians that China would be prepared to help the South Pacific nation in a number of fields with financial, material and human resources support.
Favourable loans
The three agreements are expected to boost trade and commerce between the two countries, in addition to giving China an edge over Pacific issues, for, with the emergence of Fiji as a sound democratic and progressive society with a growing economy, the country would be a strategic regional partner for Beijing.
The first of the three agreements is significant.
China will provide ‘favourable loans’ to Fiji to construct the Nabouwalu-Dreketi Road upgrading project, which is a part of the Government’s efforts to promote better infrastructure.
The F$200 million loan is expected to witness vast improvements in northern parts of Fiji. While ‘favourable loan’ could mean lower rate of interest, initial repayment holiday and other concessions, it also envisages construction and supply contracts for Chinese companies.
The other two agreements, details of which were not available, were said to be ‘framework documents,’ that will foster relations between the two countries in agriculture, trade, communications and tourism.
A good friend
At a welcome ceremony held in his honour at the Sheraton Hotel in Denarau, Mr Bangguo described Fiji as a “good friend in the South Pacific.”
“We feel heartily rejoiced at the country’s achievements and we are confident that it will continue to score success under Mr Bainimarama.”
He said that he was impressed by Fiji’s traditions and customs, and more importantly by the “friendly sentiments of the Prime Minister and the people of Fiji towards China and its people.”
He hoped that Fiji would also attract Chinese tourists.
“This is my first visit to Fiji and I am fascinated with the blues skies, blue sea and the scenery. I hope our visit will lead to better ties between the two countries.”
During his visit, Mr Bangguo held official meetings with Mr Bainimarama and Fiji’s President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.
China Daily reported Mr Bangguo as saying that China would continue to assist to Fiji and support the Island countries of the South Pacific in their efforts to participate in international affairs equally.
Unification of China
According to the newspaper, Mr Nailatikau said, “Fiji is willing to play a full part in its pivotal role in the South Pacific region to tighten communication and cooperation with China along with other Island countries. Fiji firmly supports the ‘one-China’ principle and hopes that China could achieve peaceful reunification.”
Mr Bangguo told Mr Bainimarama during an official meeting that his Government would encourage Chinese companies to participate more effectively in various projects in Fiji.
It is understood that climate change was one of the issues addressed during the meeting, which included several top officials of both governments.
Fiji was the first Pacific Island country to establish diplomatic relations with China in 1975, and that good relations between the two countries are conducive to the stability and growth of the entire Asia-Pacific region.
(Picture Courtesy: Xinhua)
