China to encourage investment in Pacific islands

BEIJING -- China will support strong Chinese businesses with good reputations to invest in Pacific island nations and help Pacific island nation enterprises to explore the Chinese market, Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang said on Thursday.

Wang made the remarks when meeting with foreign officials attending the second China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Forum in Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong province.

The forum has provided an opportunity to push forward relations between China and Pacific countries. China will continue to support the development of Pacific islands and offer assistance, Wang told the foreign officials.

"China will expand mutually beneficial cooperation in forestry, fishery, agriculture, infrastructure, transportation, communication and energy, and increase imports of competitive products from island countries," Wang said.

China will also prioritize the Pacific islands' concerns on climate change and sustainable development, and foster new growth points in clean energy and maritime science, according to Wang.

He also said China will encourage more Chinese nationals to travel in the island countries and strengthen tourism cooperation and cultural exchanges.

Wang said China regards the island nations as good friends and partners and the relationship has made headway in recent years, adding that China has fully implemented the measures announced in the first forum in 2006 to support the island countries' economic and social development and will continue to carry out the programs.

The foreign officials thanked China's long-term support in the development of the Pacific island nations. They said a series of cooperation programs since the first forum have contributed to their economic, social, educational, sports and cultural development.

The Pacific island countries hope to learn from the experiences of China's development, expand pragmatic cooperation, and strengthen cultural exchanges with China, they said.

The foreign officials reaffirmed their adherence to the one-China policy.

The foreign officials include Micronesia President Emanuel Mori, Samoa Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill, Vanuatu Prime Minister Moana Carcasses, the Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna, Tonga Prime Minister Siale'ataonga Tu'ivakano, Niue Premier Toke Talagi, Fiji's Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forests and Rural and Maritime Development Inia Seruiratu and Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Tuiloma Neroni Slade.