The Government of the People’s Republic of China today 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 handover 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 continues to be a long standing and important Forum Dialogue and development partner, to our Blue Pacific region,” said Secretary General Puna, “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 be used to drive awareness and support implementation of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent that was endorsed by the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders in July 2022. This Strategy will frame our collective action and engagement and will capture the collective vision and priorities of Pacific Leaders for the next three decades.
SG Puna welcomed China’s support for the 2050 Strategy, “as the foundation upon which our collective partnerships are brokered and strengthened to progress the achievement of our agreed regional priorities.”
China has been a Forum Dialogue Partner of the Pacific Islands Forum since 1990. The China – Pacific Islands Forum Cooperation Fund was established in 2000 to support bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, and personnel exchange.
SOURCE: PIFS/PACNEWS
