China, Pacific island countries discuss cooperation at forum meeting

The first Ministerial Meeting of the China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Forum opened in Nadi Wednesday morning.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Fijian Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase, Papua New Guinean Prime Minister Michael Somare and heads of state or government of some other island countries attended the opening ceremony.

In his welcoming speech, Fijian Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase said, "let China and our countries create dynamic partnership for a new Pacific."

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Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao congratulated the convention of the first ministerial meeting of the Forum.

The Chinese premier said it is a strategic decision, not a diplomatic expediency, for China to foster friendship and cooperation with the Pacific island countries.

He also expressed confidence that the forum, a landmark event in the relations between China and Pacific island countries, will set a new model for South-South cooperation.

Wen listed some measures China has decided to take to meet the current needs of economic development of Pacific island countries, which include providing 3 billion yuan of preferential loans in the next three years to boost cooperation, giving zero-tariff treatment to the majority of exports to China from the least developed countries in the region that have diplomatic ties with China, and making all the seven island countries that have diplomatic ties with China tourist destinations for Chinese citizens.

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China, Pacific island countries to enhance ties in tourism and transportation

China and the Pacific island countries can see together a bright future with great potential for a closer cooperation in tourism sector, said Zhang Xiqin, deputy director of the National Tourism Administration of China.

So far, all countries in the Pacific region having diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China have become destinations for Chinese tourists.

China wishes to play a full role in promoting tourism development in the Pacific region and make further progress in the new century with joint efforts from all countries, said Zhang.

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Wen delivers keynote speech at opening of China-Pacific Island forum

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Wednesday delivered a keynote speech at the opening of the First Ministerial Conference of the China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Forum.

The following is the full translation of Premier Wen's address to the meeting... full text: Win-win Cooperation for Common Development

key points:

- To foster ties with Pacific island countries China's strategic decision

- China to provide preferential loans to boost business with Pacific island countries

- Guiding framework another step to enrich ties with Pacific island countries

China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Guiding Framework signed

The China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Guiding Framework was signed in Nadi after the opening ceremony for the First Ministerial Conference of the China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Forum.

- Trade cooperation

China and the Pacific island countries on Wednesday agreed to work for the establishment of a partnership of economic and trade cooperation on the basis of equality, complementarity, mutual benefit and respect.

- Closer economic ties

Under the Framework, China and the Pacific island countries will endeavor to conclude and actively implement bilateral trade agreements consistent with international trade rules on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.

- Agricultural cooperation

Under the Framework, priority will be given to encouraging cooperation in the study and formulation of agricultural development programs, transfer of technical expertise, construction of agricultural infrastructure, manufacture of machines for agricultural use, processing of agricultural products, fishery and plant farming as well as assessment and sustainable use and development of fishery resources.

- Tourism cooperation

The Pacific island countries shall be granted Approved Destination Status for Chinese citizens under a guiding framework signed in Nadi Wednesday. Under the Framework, China and the Pacific island countries vowed to actively promote cooperation in tourism as the two sides envision great potential in this field.

Chinese premier meets Pacific island countries' leaders

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in Nadi Wednesday conferred with leaders of Pacific island countries, promising to deepen bilateral cooperation.

The leaders included Rotating Presidency of Pacific Islands Forum, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Michael Somare, Vanuatu Prime Minister Vanuaroroa Ham Lini, the Federated States of Micronesia President Joseph J. Urusemal, Tonga Prime Minister Feleti Sevele, the Cook Islands Prime Minister Jim Marurai, Niue Prime Minister Young Vivian and Samoa Prime Minister's representative, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Labour Hans Joachim Keil, who were here to attend the first ministerial meeting of China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Forum.

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Profile: Facts about China-Pacific island countries economic development and cooperation

The First Ministerial Meeting of the China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Forum is scheduled to open in Nadi, Fiji on Wednesday with the theme of "Promoting Cooperation for Common Development." The two-day meeting is co-sponsored by the governments of the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Fiji Islands in order to further improve mutual understanding and expand trade and economic cooperation. full story>>

Special Report: Premier Wen Visits Four Countries