Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has expressed interest in partnering with Yunnan Province in China in several sectors including education, agriculture, infrastructure, and tourism. During his official visit to China this week, Rabuka met with Governor Wang Yubo of Yunnan Province.
Rabuka noted that Yunnan has established itself as a model of resilience and effort in enhancing its economy and improving living standards for its communities. He emphasized that Fiji could gain valuable insights from Yunnan, appreciating its rapid development and the potential for beneficial cooperation.
The Prime Minister highlighted the significance of fostering people-to-people connections, socioeconomic opportunities, and political affiliations between Fiji and China. He underscored the shared principles of mutual respect for sovereignty, non-aggression, non-interference, equality, mutual benefits, and peaceful coexistence.
In response, Governor Wang Yubo assured Rabuka that Yunnan is prepared to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, cultural exchanges, poverty alleviation, anti-narcotics strategies, and higher education.
Additionally, Rabuka visited Ping’anpo and Nanyou villages in Malipo County, where he observed various targeted poverty alleviation and rural revitalization initiatives. He remarked that Fiji stands to gain from China’s technological innovations and sustainable practices, which could enhance livelihoods, ensure food security, boost productivity, and facilitate economic diversification.