shenzhen signed a memorandum of understanding (mou) yesterday evening with the pacific islands trade and investment, marking the city's intention to cooperate with south pacific island countries in the new energy, fishing, agriculture and tourism sectors.
shenzhen mayor xu qin and ambassadors of samoa, papua new guinea, the federated states of micronesia and vanuatu attended the signing ceremony, together with the city's vice mayor chen biao and du qiming, a chinese special envoy of the south pacific islands.
"shenzhen is making every effort to develop into an international city so we are trying to explore more overseas tourist destinations for shenzhen residents as well as to further enhance business collaboration with other cities and countries around the world," said xu in a forum jointly held by the china council for the promotion of international trade shenzhen council, and the pacific islands trade and investment delegation.
xu also said shenzhen will thoroughly implement the requirements put forward by chinese president xi jinping in terms of enhancing cooperation with south pacific islands via encouraging local corporations, shenzhen airlines and private entrepreneurs to invest in these countries.
the ambassador of samoa to china, tapusalaia toomata, proposed collaborating projects in several sectors including the hotel industry, airlines, new energy as well as agriculture and fishery.
"we have abundant sunshine, therefore the new-energy business will be very promising in the islands, and we hope entrepreneurs in shenzhen can initiate business here," said toomata.
the ambassadors and other representatives from these island countries will continue their trip in shenzhen today with tours to local corporations including the medical technology company mindray and drone maker dji-innovations.
an introduction forum will be held this afternoon for the delegation to comprehensively introduce and promote their countries as well as prospective projects. local corporations can also gain better knowledge about these areas.
the initial agreement on further cooperation between shenzhen and south pacific islands is also a response to the "one belt, one road" initiative that was set up by the chinese government.
the silk road economic belt and 21st century maritime silk road were first proposed by xi in 2013 to connect asian, european and african countries and promote mutual cooperation.
(source:shenzhen daily)
