China offers Fiji $48M grant in aid

China has offered a total of 48 million Fijian dollars grant in aid to Fiji.

During the bilateral talks between Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and President of China Xi Jinping, the Chinese government offered additional development assistance to Fiji of more than 22 million dollars.

Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Amena Yauvoli said during the recent visit to Beijing by President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau Fiji was given 26 million Fijian dollars grant from China.

He added they still have to work out the details to allocate these funds as they will need to consult the Ministry of Finance and the Chinese Embassy.

He said the details will be in accordance with the priorities.

Yauvoli said the visa exemption on arrivals to China as discussed between the two leaders is effective immediately; however the operational issues needs to be put in place by the authorities to facilitate that.

He said this will encourage people to people movement and contacts.

A Memorandum of Understanding has also been signed between Fiji and China on the Establishment of a Chinese Cultural Centre in Fiji.

Another MOU has been signed between the Ministry of National Defence of the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of Defence, National Security and Immigration in Fiji.

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport also signed a MOU with the National Development and Reform Commission of the People’s Republic of China concerning the Provision of Goods for Addressing Climate Change in Fiji.

There was also an Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation between the People’s Republic of China and Fiji.

An Exchange of Letters about the Construction of the Vunidawa Sports Complex Project was also carried out.

President Xi Jingping was farewelled by the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, cabinet ministers and members of government this morning at the Nadi International Airport.