Earlier this May, a vibrant two-day tourism exchange session lit up Nadi, Fiji's third-largest city. Officials and tourism pros from the Chinese mainland and 10 Pacific Island countries and regions—including Fiji and Vanuatu—gathered to explore fresh opportunities in tourism.
Adela Issachar Aru, chairperson of the Pacific Tourism Organization, highlighted the Chinese mainland as a key source market driving economic and cultural exchanges across the Pacific.
This session builds on momentum from the first China-PICs Foreign Ministers' Meeting in October 2021. Looking ahead, the upcoming third meeting will be held in Xiamen City, China on May 27 and 28, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi set to lead in-person discussions. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning noted that this gathering will foster in-depth exchanges on cooperative strategies and regional issues of mutual interest.
Beyond tourism, the cooperation between the Chinese mainland and Pacific Island countries and regions reflects a broader commitment to enhancing political trust, regional stability, and economic growth. With diplomatic ties now established with 11 Pacific Island countries—and Nauru resuming relations in January 2024 as the 183rd country to do so—this relationship is clearly evolving.
In 2024 alone, leaders from Fiji, Nauru, Samoa, Vanuatu, and the Federated States of Micronesia visited China, reinforcing a shared vision for growth and deeper cross-regional ties. This dynamic cooperation offers exciting prospects for young entrepreneurs, travel enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the future of tourism and trade.
Stay tuned as these evolving ties continue to bridge cultures, inspire development, and shape a promising future across the Pacific! 🌏✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
