Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka conducted a visit to the Silk Road Maritime Management Center and the Xiamen International Shipping Science Innovation Center in Xiamen, Fujian Province, as part of his goal to establish Fiji as the Pacific hub by enhancing the efficiency and capacity of its ports.
The facilities are managed by Xiamen port, which ranks as one of China’s key coastal ports and is among the top twenty most efficient ports globally. It serves as a crucial link in the country’s transportation network, featuring a large digitalized container port, a cruise ship home port, and a key trade port across the Taiwan Strait.
Upon arriving at the Xiamen Port, Prime Minister Rabuka and his delegation received a detailed overview of the daily operations.
Mr. Xia Changwer, the director general of the Xiamen Port Authority, welcomed the Fijian delegation and highlighted the various terminals the port operates, including bulk cargo, container terminals, and specialized facilities for oil and gas.
Xiamen’s port infrastructure showcases modern container handling equipment and efficient customs procedures, which contribute to fast turnaround times, reflecting the city’s technological advancements.
With access to important international shipping routes and free trade zones, Xiamen port plays a vital role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, promoting foreign investment and trade.
Mr. Changwer expressed Xiamen’s interest in expanding cooperation with Fiji, particularly in the cruise industry and other mutual areas of interest.
After touring the state-of-the-art port, Prime Minister Rabuka conveyed his admiration for Xiamen and Fiji’s aspiration to learn from its practices to enhance the country’s maritime trade as well as regional and global logistics.
The Fijian government continues to invest in infrastructure to improve port services, focusing on container handling, storage, customs processing, and support for maritime industries.