The Chinese government is investing more than $30 million into the construction of two new jetties here.

China’s ambassador to Fiji, Qian Bo made the statement during a media luncheon on Monday in Suva.

Mr Qian also confirmed that the new jetties will come in the form of a grant.

He said: “It is important for everyone to understand our relationship with Fiji is sincere and based on mutual respect that our projects are not commission investments.”

“The agreement on the building of the two new jetties has been made and the books have been signed. We are only awaiting the Chinese engineers and workers who will come and carry out these works,” Mr Qian said.

“The two jetties will be funded by the Chinese central government together with the government of Fiji,” he said.

“The agreement we have made with the Fijian government is to have one of the jetties built in the southeastern part of Fiji and the second one to be built in the northeastern part of the country.”

He said the new jetties have been a result of understanding the need for proper berthing facilities for Fijians as the most common mode of transport to maritime islands are ships.

“We need to understand the situation of Fiji, follow through correctly because if we do not understand the situation and we do something that is not the need of the people and it doesn’t work, then it is just a waste of time.

“We need to understand that these are really the request of the Fijian Government, local governments and the communities.

“China is a friendly country, we engage in friendly consultations.”

He said the projects that they plan to embark on are major projects which require proper planning with steps taken one at a time.

3rd China-Pacific Islands countries Economic Cooperation Forum

The 3rd China-Pacific Islands countries Economic Cooperation Forum will take place in Samoa later this month.

Mr Qian said they hope the forum will promote economic and trade relationship to a new height.

“What we are now doing is that during that forum will discuss bilateral ties with different countries.

He also confirmed that they would be signing five agreements and provide certain amount of grants to Fiji.

“The forum will also focus several other industries like tourism, fisheries, agriculture and other sectors as well.”

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