South Pacific Night: Opening a New Chapter in Cooperation between China and Pacific Island Countries


In June 2017, the Chinese government released a document entitled “Vision for Maritime Cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative” which promotes the partnership between the nations along the Maritime Silk Road. To promote economic, trade and cultural between China and the Pacific Island countries, the event was held during which a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between CDI and PTI. 


Date: July 13, 2017


Venue: Multi-functional Room, CDI Mansion, Shenzhen


Host: China Development Institute (CDI), Pacific Islands Trade and Investment (PTI)


Theme: Opening a New Chapter in Cooperation between China and Pacific Island Countries


 



16:00-16:20      Registration


16:20-16:45      Yap Dance Performance


16:45-16:50      Introduction


Moderator: LI Jinkui, Senior Research Fellow, CDI


LIU Zhijie, International Cooperation Department, CDI


16:50-17:05      CDI Speech: The Best Time for Cooperation between China and Pacific Islands


Speaker: FAN Gang, President, CDI


17:05-17:20      PTI Speech: South Pacific Opportunities


Speaker: David Morris, Trade Commissioner, PTI (China)


17:20-17:25      MOU Signing Ceremony


17:25-17:50      Yap Dance Performance


 



The joint establishment of MOU between CDI and PTI (China) aims to facilitate economic, trade and investment linkages between China and the Pacific Island countries under the “Belt and Road” Initiative by cooperatively providing a platform for policy studies, academic exchange and outreach programs. What’s more, here are excerpts from the event below:


 “China and the Pacific Island countries have vast potential in cooperation on economy, trade, investment and sustainable development.”


Under the Vision for Maritime Cooperation under the “Belt and Road” Initiative released by the Chinese government, China and the Pacific Islands shall promote the blue economy cooperation to address climate change, enhance economic performance, improve people’s livelihood, and combat the backlash against globalization.


FAN Gang, President, CDI


 “It requires China, South Pacific Islands and other countries to work together to build a sustainable, blue economy in the era of globalization.”


Partnership and cooperation is not easy. It calls for practical steps that deliver on the needs of all partners, for mutual benefit. The Maritime Silk Road proves to be a sound platform for practical cooperation in building the infrastructure and connectivity that will bring China and the Pacific Islands closer. The Pacific Islands Trade and Investment will work together with CDI to observe what works and to explore practical steps to build the Maritime Silk Road.


David Morris, Trade Commissioner, PTI (China)