After receiving $41 million from China for various projects, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has requested for assistance for the expansion and upgrading of the existing airport in Rotuma.
While holding a meeting with China’s Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing, Bainimarama said the present airfield in Rotuma can only accommodate light aircraft.
Bainimarama says the upgrading of the airport will be able to accommodate Fiji’s 737 jets and would give Rotuma better access to the Fijian mainland and improve development on the island.
Bainimarama adds Rotuma’s ability to get its produce to the market is severely limited by the present air transport constraints.
He says upgrading Rotuma’s airport to jet standards will be a tremendous boost to the economic prospects of this remote part of Fiji.
He told China’s Premier that Fiji is also seeking China’s support for its candidacy for the Human Rights Council for the term 2018 to 2020.
Meanwhile Bainimarama has also assured Keqiang that preparations for a Chinese Cultural Centre is well underway to mark Fiji and China’s 40 years of diplomatic relations.
Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations