Fijian Prime Minister Rabuka: Fiji hopes to learn from China’s successful experience

Kenyan Prime Minister Sitiweni Rabuka concluded a 10-day visit to China this week, praising the “tremendous progress” China has made under the leadership of President Xi Jinping.

Fiji’s prime minister joins other Pacific island leaders, including Jeremiah Manele of the Solomon Islands, Charlot Salwai of Vanuatu and David Adeang of Nauru, who have received a warm reception in Beijing this year.

During the visit, Rabuka met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang respectively.

The Prime Minister reiterated the One China Principle and made it clear that Fiji attaches great importance to its relationship with China, noting that after the coups in 1987, 2000 and 2006, Fiji’s traditional partners deserted China, and only Beijing has always stood by Fiji.

President Xi Jinping, for his part, supports Rabuka’s ideal of a “peace zone”.

The two countries released 17-point joint statement.

“The two sides will strengthen interactions at all levels and in all fields, expand exchanges between the two countries’ legislatures, government departments, cities and localities, exchange experiences in governance and development, and further deepen political mutual trust,” the statement said.

‘Fiji still has a lot to learn’

The Fijian government said the visit, which comes ahead of the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting (PIFLM) in Tonga next Monday, is aimed at strengthening the 50-year partnership between the two countries.

It underlined the determination to strengthen bilateral relations and explore mutually beneficial avenues in key areas such as poverty reduction, infrastructure development and trade, the statement said.

Rabuka said his country could learn from China on how to lift its people out of poverty.

“China’s development history shows that as long as the right approach is adopted, it is possible to improve people’s lives and lift them out of extreme poverty,” he said.

“Fiji can learn a lot from this success.”

Rabuka visited several provinces in China that are famous for their innovative development.

He shared the highlights of his visits to Ping’anpo Village and Nanyou Village in Yunnan Province.

He said he was deeply impressed by China’s successful poverty reduction strategy, which has transformed communities over the past 32 years through initiatives such as agriculture, aquaculture and community development.

Rabuka said he intended to implement a similar strategy in Fiji to combat poverty.

“Fiji can learn a lot from China’s approach. By adopting some of these strategies, we can accelerate our efforts to reduce poverty.”

Nearly 300,000 people, or 30 percent of the population, live in poverty. Despite the government’s current support programs under the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection, such as financial benefits, pensions and food voucher programs, challenges remain.

Rabuka said his government was working to strengthen the agriculture sector to create jobs and improve food security.

“Agriculture is an essential part of our fight against poverty. By making the most of our land, we can provide sustainable livelihoods, boost economic development, and improve the quality of life for all Fijians.”

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

Key focus areas include exploring Yunnan’s agricultural technology, 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 jobs for coastal communities.

“I saw how fish farming has changed the lives of more than 1,000 people in the village. Ninghai, once a poor community, is now thriving because of marine aquaculture, which brings income and supports the local economy.”

“Fiji is interested in working with China to learn from its successful experience in eco-friendly fish farming.”

Rabuka also visited Xiamen International Shipping Centre, one of the world’s leading ports renowned for its efficiency and technological advancement. He said the experience gained from Xiamen Port is expected to influence Fiji’s efforts to upgrade its port facilities, aimed at boosting trade and making Fiji a key hub in the Pacific region.

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

Rabuka said China was interested in cooperating with Fiji in the cruise industry.

The Prime Minister discussed renewable energy options during a visit to Ningde-based Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd. (CATL), a world leader in electric vehicle batteries (with a 37% global market share).

Rabuka said the companies aim to be “carbon neutral by 2025, which is in line with Fiji’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030”.

He hopes Fiji can learn more from the company to support Fiji’s own aspirations.

Rabuka said his visit to China highlighted the importance of targeted strategies and leadership in poverty eradication, which Fiji hopes to emulate through its own poverty alleviation projects.

He said Fiji is committed to learning from China’s experience and creating new opportunities for the development and prosperity of all Fijian people.