Fiji wants to learn from China's success - Fiji PM Rabuka

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka concluded his 10-day visit to China this week,, singing high praise for China's "great progress" under President Xi Jingping.

The Fijian PM joins other Pacific leaders - like Solomon Island's Jeremiah Manele, Vanuatu's Charlot Salwai and Nauru's David Adeang - who have had the red carpet rolled out by Beijing this year.

Rabuka met with the Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang during the visit.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed the one-China Principle, making it clear that Fiji takes its relations with China very seriously, when he noted that it was only Beijing that stood by country when traditional partners turned away after the 1987, 2000 and 2006 coups.

While President Xi has thrown his support behind Rabuka's 'zone of peace' ideal.

The two countries released a 17-point joint statement.

It stated: "The two sides will strengthen interaction at all levels and in various areas, expand exchange between their respective legislatures, government agencies, municipalities and localities, carry out experience sharing on governance and development, and further deepen political mutual trust."

'Fiji has much to learn'

The visit, which was held ahead of the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM) in Tonga starting Monday next week, aimed to strengthen five decades of partnership with between the two nations, according to the Fiji government.

It said it highlighted a commitment to enhancing bilateral relations and exploring avenues for mutual benefit in key areas including poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, and trade.

Rabuka said his nation can learn from China on how to get people out of poverty.

"China's journey shows that with the right approach, it is possible to improve lives and bring people out of extreme poverty," he said.

"Fiji has much to learn from this success."

Rabuka toured various Chinese provinces renowned for their innovation and development.

He shared highlights of his tour of the villages of Ping'anpo and Nanyou in Yunnan Province.

He said he was impressed by China's successful poverty reduction strategies, which have transformed communities over the past 32 years through initiatives in agriculture, aquaculture, and community development.

Rabuka expressed his intention to implement similar strategies in Fiji to combat poverty.

"Fiji has much to learn from China's approach. By adopting some of these strategies, we can accelerate our efforts to reduce poverty."

There are close to 300,000 - 30 percent of population - people live in poverty. While the government has support programs currently in place under the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection such as financial benefits, pensions and food voucher initiatives, challenges persist.

Rabuka said his government is focusing on strengthening the agriculture sector to create jobs and enhance food security.

"Agriculture is a vital part of our fight against poverty. By making the best use of our land, we can provide sustainable livelihoods, boost our economy, and improve the quality of life for all Fijians."

Rabuka met with Governor Wang Yubo to discuss potential collaborations between Fiji and Yunnan Province.

The key areas of focus included exploring Yunnan's farming techniques, sustainable development strategies, tourism promotion, and educational partnerships.

In Ninghai village, Rabuka discovered the benefits of marine aquaculture, which has revitalized the local economy.

Fiji plans to explore similar eco-friendly fish farming techniques to strengthen its fisheries sector and create job opportunities for coastal communities.

"I saw how fish farming has transformed the lives of over 1,000 people in the village. Once a poor community, Ninghai now thrives, thanks to marine aquaculture, which provides income and supports the local economy."

"Fiji is interested in working with China to learn from their success in eco-friendly fish farming."

Rabuka also toured the Xiamen International Shipping Centre, one of the world's leading ports known for its efficiency and technological advancements. He said the insights gained from Xiamen Port are expected to influence Fiji's efforts to upgrade its own port facilities, aiming to boost trade and establish Fiji as a prominent hub in the Pacific.

"By investing in better port services, we aim to boost trade and create more opportunities for all Fijians."

Rabuka said there is interest from China to work with Fiji in the cruise liner industry.

Renewable energy options were discussed as the Prime Minister visited Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL), a global leader (37 percent market share globally) in electric vehicle batteries, based in Ningde City.

Rabuka said the companies aim "to be carbon neutral by 2025, aligns with Fiji's goals to reach net zero by 2050 and use 100 percent renewable energy by 2030."

He wants Fiji to learn more from the company to support Fijis own aspirations.

Rabuka said his tour through China has highlighted the importance of targeted strategies and leadership in overcoming poverty, which Fiji aims to emulate through its own poverty alleviation programs.

He said Fiji is committed to learning from China's experiences and leveraging new opportunities for development and prosperity for all Fijians.