The Chinese government has revealed their government plan to vigorously promote co-operation with Pacific Island countries in the areas of economics, trade and tourism.

This was outlined by Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang while delivering the Chinese government’s 2019 draft plan yesterday at the opening of the 13th National People’s Congress.
Promote international co-operation

In their efforts to promote international co-operation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Mr Li said China plans to “pursue high-standard, all-round opening up in more sectors and in a more thorough fashion.”

He stated that they will ensure the success of the second BRI forum for International Co-operation which will be held next month. It will seek coordination between China’s development plans and participating countries along the BRI routes.

“Focusing on major projects, including infrastructure construction, and industrial-capacity cooperation, we will address key problems such as those related to financial support, investment environments, risk management, and security, to ensure cooperation produces more results,” Mr Li said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) and Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing on Monday.

Digital Silk Road development

He added that China will promote greater cooperation on the development of the Digital Silk Road and advance co-operation between China and Association of South East Asian Nations(ASEAN) on creating a smart cities network.

“We will build high-quality overseas platforms such as economic and trade co-operation zones and industrial-capacity co-operation parks and zones,” he said.

“We will promote high-quality development of China-Europe freight train services, and work to promote Silk Road E-Commerce across the globe.

“We will take substantive strides with France, Germany, Japan, Singapore, and other countries on third-market co-operation and innovation cooperation, and we will vigorously promote co-operation with Pacific island countries on the economy, trade, and tourism.”

During a press conference on Monday, Congress spokesman Zhang Yesui said 67 countries signed up under the Belt and Road Initiative last year bringing the total number of participants to 152, including international organisations. Fiji also signed up for the initiative last year on November 12.

Feedback:  fonua.talei@fijisun.com.fj