Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka recently toured the Silk Road Maritime Management Center and the Xiamen International Shipping Science Innovation Center in Xiamen, Fujian Province. This visit aligns with his goal of transforming Fiji into a Pacific hub by enhancing the efficiency and capacity of the nation’s ports.
The facilities he visited manage Xiamen Port, a significant coastal port in China, ranked among the top twenty most efficient ports globally. It serves as a crucial node in the country’s transportation network and features a large digitalized container terminal, serves as a home port for cruise ships, and facilitates trade across the Taiwan Strait.
Upon arrival, Prime Minister Rabuka and his delegation received an extensive overview of Xiamen Port’s daily operations. The director general of the Xiamen Port Authority, Mr. Xia Changwer, warmly welcomed the Fijian delegation. He highlighted that the port boasts various terminals, including those for bulk cargo, containers, and specialized facilities for oil and gas.
Xiamen’s port infrastructure exemplifies technological advancements, featuring modern container handling equipment and efficient customs processes that enable quick turnaround times. This port is also integral to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, fostering foreign investment and trade through its connections to major international shipping lanes and free trade zones.
Mr. Changwer expressed Xiamen’s readiness to enhance collaboration with Fiji, particularly in the cruise sector and other mutually beneficial areas. Following the visit, Prime Minister Rabuka praised Xiamen and conveyed Fiji’s eagerness to learn from its advancements to bolster the country’s maritime trade and logistics on both regional and global scales.
The Fijian government continues to invest in infrastructure aimed at improving port services, including container handling, storage, customs processing, and support for maritime industries.