The Western Provincial Government (WPG) has once again welcomed a high-level delegation from China’s Fujian Province in Gizo on Monday.
This marked the second official visit since the establishment of a sister-province relationship last year.
Leading the delegation was, Hon. Li Dejin, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Fujian Provincial People’s Congress, underscored the importance of fostering people-to-people connections and strengthening business cooperation between the two provinces.
“Private investment in Fujian has been a cornerstone of our economic and social development. I believe sharing these experiences can greatly benefit the Western Province,” Mr. Li said.
He highlighted potential areas of cooperation, including forestry, agriculture, fisheries, and infrastructure development, sectors in which Fujian Province has recorded significant achievements.
Mr. Li also emphasized poverty alleviation, citing practices introduced by Chinese President Xi Jinping during his tenure in Fujian as successful models that could be adapted for the Pacific region.
“I hope to leverage the China-Pacific Island Countries Poverty Alleviation and Development Center, based in Fujian and Fiji, to deepen cooperation, offer more training programs, and provide development opportunities for the Western Province,” Mr. Li added.
He also proposed enhancing people-to-people exchanges through tourism and cultural initiatives, particularly by strengthening Austronesian cultural ties between Pacific countries and Fujian Province.
In response, Western Province Premier Billy Veo said it was a humbling experience to welcome the delegation to the province.
“It is our sincere hope that this visit will foster a mutual and lasting relationship between our two provinces, bringing about reciprocal benefits for our people as we navigate an ever-changing local, regional, and global landscape,” Premier Veo said.
Premier Veo described the visit as historic, noting it was only the second official delegation visit following the signing of the sister-province Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in June 2024. He recalled the success of the first visit in December 2024.
He also announced that two provincial officers have been selected to undertake training in Juncao technology, with travel arrangements already finalized. Additionally, one officer has been nominated for a long-term scholarship program in finance and accounting.
“As a developing province, we are eager to explore opportunities for capacity-building through scholarships, short-term and medium-term trainings in priority sectors such as engineering, marine science, agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture, and science and technology,” Premier Veo said.
While acknowledging the visit was brief, Premier Veo quoted Chinese philosopher Laozi, saying, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
“Our gathering today is one of those first important steps on our journey together,” he added.
Premier Veo also expressed the province’s hope that future delegations from Fujian could stay longer to visit other parts of the Western Province and assess infrastructure and investment opportunities firsthand.
“We are laying the foundation for future tours, cultural exchanges, and private sector engagements that could lead to reciprocal investment opportunities,” he affirmed.
The six-member Fujian delegation included Hon. Li Dejin; Mr. Zhang Zongyun, Chairman of the Education, Science, Culture and Public Health Committee; Mr. Wang Minfu, Chairman of the Supervisory and Judicial Affairs Committee; Mr. Hu Zhishi, Vice Chairman of the Education, Science, Culture and Public Health Committee; Mr. Zhang Zhiwei, Director of the Division of American and Ocean Affairs, Foreign Affairs Office; and Mr. Xu Xia, Section Chief of the Education, Science, Culture and Public Health Committee.
During their four-day tour of the Western Province, the delegation visited a local primary school and several proposed development sites, further strengthening the growing ties between the two provinces.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
