Let China, Pacific island countries create dynamic partnership for new Pacific: Fiji PM

Fiji Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase on Wednesday called on the Pacific island countries and China to work together to create dynamic partnership for a new Pacific.

"Let China and our countries create dynamic partnership for a new Pacific," said the Fiji prime minister at the opening ceremony of the First Ministerial Meeting of the China-Pacific Island Economic Development and Cooperation Forum.

The prime minister said, "and we say, welcome China! We ask you to join with us shaping relationship for the 21st century."

He said China is already a valued provider of aid and development assistance, adding that "we are grateful for the commitment."

He said the forum would give the island countries a chance to come together with China to turn on a new page in the region's history.

The prime minister said there is a common desire for increased cooperation, commerce and investment.

"The key to the higher growth and related prosperity we seek is increased international trade," he said.

He said, "We look now for new markets, where there is flexibility of entry and a readiness to meet the export needs of small, isolated island countries."

He explained "that is what we would like to engage with China, as we increasingly look North for the answers to our trade and investment aspirations."

The prime minister said, Fiji hoped that from this landmark conference at Nadi will become regular summit meetings with China at the highest level.

The two-day forum meeting is jointly sponsored by China's Ministry of Commerce and Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao attended the opening ceremony of the forum meeting and delivered a keynote speech.

Source: Xinhua