On 28 October, Hon. Joe Natuman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Commerce,Tourism and ni-Vanuatu Business, led a Vanuatu Government and Parliament joint delegation to GIIS. The delegation attended the Seminar on the Cooperation and Exchange Between China (Guangdong) and Vanuatu held by GDUFS. Attendees also included: Mr. Zhou Rongguo, Vice Chairman of Bureau VII (North American, Oceanic and Scandinavian Affairs) of International Department, Central Committee of CPC; Mr. Ma Hua, Deputy Director-General of Department of Commerce of Guangdong Province; Mr. Li Jian, Director of Foreign Affairs Office of Guangdong Provincial Government; Mr. Sui Guangjun, Party Secretary of GDUFS; Mr. Zhong Weihe, President of GDUFS; and Mr. Fang Fanquan, Vice President of GDUFS.
Speech by Hon. Joe Natuman
Hon. Joe Natuman pointed out that the relationship between Vanuatu and China, especially Guangdong has enjoyed a long history. In ancient time, Chinese businessmen conducted maritime transactions with Vanuatu counterparts; nowadays, events about Maritime Silk Road are carried out. Trade cooperation in both ancient times and now demonstrates the fruit of Sino-Vanuatu economic and trade cooperation. Moreover, China supported the independence campaign of Vanuatu and established diplomatic relations with the new Vanuatu. Financial support was also provided by China for Vanuatu infrastructure construction. All these affairs showed friendship between the two countries. In terms of the future cooperation between the two countries, Hon. Joe Natuman proposed "Vanuatu will build new airports and open the direct air line and shipline from Port Vila to Guangzhou, so as to promote Sino-Vanuatu economic cooperation and development."
Visit to GIIS
As pointed out by Mr. Sui Guangjun, Guangdong has taken a lead in China in the path of reform and opening up. And this Seminar held in GDUFS, a higher education institute of international characteristics, has provided a valuable opportunity for Sino-Vanuatu cooperation. GDUFS has been contributing significantly in furthering Sino-Vanuatu cooperation. Taking advantage of the international characteristics, GDUFS actively carried out academic researches on Pacific Island Countries. Meanwhile, the training classes for the Pacific Island’s Public Servants commenced this year. These programs have promoted China's knowledge on Pacific Island Countries and the mutual cultural exchanges between the two sides, which is in line with the principles of the "Belt and Road" Initiative. "We sincerely hope that further cooperation can be conducted between our two countries so as to inspire new strategies and ideas for common development in economy and trade and intensive cultural exchange." said Mr.Sui.
Mr. Chen Hanxi, Deputy Secretary General of GIIS, introduced GIIS researches on Pacific Island Countries. The Center for Pacific Island Strategic Studies was set in GIIS by the Foreign Affairs Office of Guangdong Provincial Government to pool talents and resources for the studies of Pacific Island Countries. Given the special geographic, political and economic resources of Pacific Island Countries, China paid high attention to relations with these countries and Chinese enterprises can have advantages doing business there. Yet there are also challenges ahead, such as the fragile economic and natural environment; political and social problems in some countries and different country situations of China and island countries. "In order to clear the way for mutual cooperation, GIIS will deepen its research on Pacific island countries." said Mr. Chen Hanxi.
Mr. Johnny Koanapo, Secretary of Vanuatu PM Office, offered GIIS some suggestions:" I think the institute can do some forward-looking studies apart from the current researches, and apply the fruits to Sino-Vanuatu cooperation and development." In the Q&A section, Mr. Johnny Koanapo asked some questions on the South China Sea disputes between China and the Philippines. As to this aspect, Mr. Chen Hanxi answered that consensus had been reached and disputes would be removed through bilateral diplomatic approaches, which means no dispute exists between the two countries.
After the Seminar, accompanied by executive Vice President Mr. Sui Guangjun and Vice President Mr. Zhong Weihe, the delegation visited GIIS. Mr. Sui and Mr. Zhong introduced the history and research features of GIIS. After listening to their introduction, Hon. Joe Natuman exchanged ideas on the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and China's participation in global governance with Mr. Sui and Mr. Zhong.
The delegation took a group photo with GDUFS attendees after the visit.
Group photo after visiting
