The Government of the People’s Republic of China Wednesday provided an annual funding contribution of US$1.08 million to the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat under the China – Pacific Islands Forum Cooperation Fund.
In a virtual ceremony, the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Henry Puna, welcomed the funding contribution from Qian Bo, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in Fiji.
“The People’s Republic of China is a longstanding and important development, trade and investment partner for our Blue Pacific region. Over 80 percent of China’s funding contribution today will support the Pacific Trade and Invest China office to work with the private sector to develop, grow and promote business in the region by facilitating export opportunities with buyers and attracting foreign direct investments.
China’s funding will also support regional initiatives for COVID-19 recovery including through the Pacific Humanitarian Pathway on COVID-19 This is critical work to protect the health and wellbeing of all Pacific people and facilitate the early economic recovery of communities and countries.”
China has been a Forum Dialogue Partner of the Pacific Islands Forum since 1990. The China – PIF Cooperation Fund was established in 2000 to support bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, and personnel exchange.
SOURCE: PIFS/PACNEWS
