Fijian delegation in China to study model of infrastructure development.

Fiji should try and replicate China’s success in creating its very own model of infrastructure development.

This is the view of Suva City Council health inspector and head of the Pacific Island Countries (PIC) delegation to China, Taniela Lobua.

Mr Lobua is currently in Guangdong province with five other Fijians who are part of a three-week programme for PIC civil servants in China.

Speaking to Fiji Sun in Dongguan, Mr Lobua said Pacific Island nations must adopt certain infrastructure models through knowledge sharing at governmental and provincial levels, led by China, if they want to be on par with developing nations.

The Fiji Sun team, chief photojournalist Ronald Kumar, and senior subeditor Caroline Ratucadra, were in China for 12 days joining other Pacific Island journalists as part of Pacific Islands media visit group organised by the Communist Party of China’s (CPC) international department.

Both teams also attended the China Guangdong 21st Century Maritime Silk Road International Expo in Dongguan last week.

The workshop Mr Lobua said focused on presentations, discussions and visits on China’s history, reform strategy, agriculture and rural poverty reduction, infrastructure development and more.

Mr Lobua said the 29 participants from seven PICs were impressed with China’s rapid infrastructure development and economic growth after visiting three cities.

“Chinese people are extremely hard working and for the government and the people, national interest is above all others,” he said.

“We, Pacific Island nations, Fiji included, must look at ways of improving our infrastructure not only in our towns and cities but also out in the rural.”

China has gone over a long history of primitive, slavery, feudal and semi-feudal, semi-colonial societies and the present socialist society.

Mr Lobua said China achieving to become the second largest economy in the world, after the United States of America, in the past 30 years spoke volume of determination by all sectors of the community – working towards one goal.

“Among the major drivers for China’s success are the Chinese people, the true creator of China’s economic success, and the great culture that shapes their characteristics,” Mr Lobua said.

“Chinese people have an open-minded spirit of learning and we must adopt that.”

Another participant, Usaia Korodrau, capital projects officer for the Ministry of Local Government, shared similar sentiments saying that he is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the visiting delegation.

“I work with all 13 municipal councils on capital projects and this visit has been an eye opener. Upon my return, I will pass on my ideas in my area of expertise to strengthen our infrastructure through partnership with government.”

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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