Parliamentary leaders spoke highly of China particularly the country’s strategies for poverty reduction and development that could benefit Fiji.
In a ministerial statement today, Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka shared insights from his trip, noting China’s economic growth over the past 30 years.
“China’s gross domestic product has increased from just over $560 billion to a remarkable $18.5 trillion today,” he said. This progress is particularly striking given China’s population growth from 1.2 billion to 1.4 billion people.
“China has significantly reduced its poverty rate, lifting hundreds of millions out of poverty, from poverty alleviation to poverty eradication,” Rabuka added.
Rabuka was especially impressed by how China has worked to include everyone in its development. He described a visit to Malipo County in Yunnan Province as “eye-opening,” where he saw how new infrastructure had turned a previously poor area into a thriving one.
“Our visit to Malipo County in Yunnan was eye-opening, and we witnessed first-hand how modern infrastructure has transformed the once poverty-stricken region,” Rabuka said.
Group of nine opposition leader Iowane Naivalurua and G16 leader Inia Seruiratu, also praised Rabuka’s trip and the potential benefits for Fiji.
Seruiratu highlighted the importance of China’s support for Fiji.
“China is strategic. China is important for us as a small country with very less influence,” he noted.
Naivalurua highlighted the long-standing relationship based on the One China policy.
“Our relationship with China goes back a long way,” he said.
Rabuka also pointed out the advanced technology he saw in Fujian Province, particularly at Xiamen Port, which he believes could be useful for Fiji.
“The innovative technological developments observed in Fujian Province, such as the state-of-the-art logistics, software, and automation systems at the Xiamen Port, serve as a lesson not only for Fiji but for the rest of the world,” he said.
Fiji is now looking to apply these insights to improve its own rural and maritime areas. Naivalurua hopes thess will be considered in Fiji’s National Development Plan which is being compiled.
