Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka visited the Silk Road Maritime Management Center and the Xiamen International Shipping Science Innovation Center in Xiamen, Fujian Province yesterday. This visit aligns with his goal of making Fiji a key hub in the Pacific by enhancing the efficiency and capacity of its ports.
Xiamen Port, which manages these facilities, is one of the most important coastal ports in China and ranks among the top twenty most efficient ports globally. It serves as a critical hub in the national transportation network, boasts a large digitalized container port, acts as a home port for cruise ships, and facilitates trade across the Taiwan Strait.
Upon their arrival, Prime Minister Rabuka and his team received a comprehensive overview of daily operations at Xiamen Port. The Director General of the Xiamen Port Authority, Mr. Xia Changwer, welcomed the Fijian delegation and highlighted that the port comprises various terminals, including those dedicated to bulk cargo, containers, as well as specialized facilities for oil and gas.
Xiamen’s port infrastructure features modern container handling equipment and efficient customs processes that ensure quick turnaround times, showcasing the technological advancements in the area.
Additionally, the port maintains connections to significant international shipping lanes and free trade zones, making it a crucial asset in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which promotes foreign investment and trade.
Mr. Changwer indicated that Xiamen is eager to enhance its collaboration with Fiji, particularly in the cruise shipping sector and other mutual interests.
Following the visit to the state-of-the-art port, Prime Minister Rabuka expressed his admiration for Xiamen and emphasized Fiji’s intention to learn from its advancements to improve the nation’s maritime trade and regional as well as global logistics.
The Fijian government continues to invest in infrastructure improvements to enhance port services, including container handling, storage, customs processing, and support for maritime industries.