China has approved 20 more senior Fijian officials for leadership training in Beijing and Shanghai in mid-May, the Fijian government said Tuesday.

Parmesh Chand, permanent secretary for Fiji's Public Service Commission, said the theme for this year's training is again on " Leadership Building," and the teaching program will involve lectures, field visits and group discussions. All expenses including round trip airfares, meals, accommodation, tuition and in-country transportation will be borne by China, he said.

The course is prepared for Fiji's senior officials, particularly those involved in formulation of policies, implementation of projects and overall decision making, according to Fiji's Ministry of Information.

Fiji is deeply appreciative of the ongoing assistance from China in the area of training and capacity building for the South Pacific island country's senior officials, Chand said.

Training and exposure in China is greatly assisting in the Fijian government's reform program to enhance the capacity of its senior officials for improved levels of service delivery to ordinary Fijians, he added.

At least 45 senior Fijian officials have undergone leadership training in China since last September. In line with the Fijian government's plan, by the end of 2015, as many as 300 officials from the government and statutory bodies will travel to China to receive leadership training.