China friendship to benefit Fiji: Minister
Saturday September 01, 2007

Interim Foreign Affairs Minister Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.

Fiji stands to benefit enormously from further strengthening the friendship and relationship with China, says interim Foreign Affairs Minister Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.

Nailatikau is currently on a trade mission to China. His four-day visit includes discussing and signing a number of agreements to further forge trade, economic and technical cooperation between the two countries.

Ratu Epeli said that an agreement on economic and technical cooperation between the two countries and contracts on the Navuso Bridge and design on the multi-purpose cargo vessel would be signed.

He said a similar design contract for construction of Somosomo hydro dam would be signed later on.

"These are all grant-in-aid projects involving significant funding. These will benefit ordinary people, particularly those in rural and outer islands," he said.



Ratu Epeli added that the benefits of the trip were enormous compared to the cost.

"There will be discussions on further follow-up action and visits," he said.

The delegation, which also includes interim Commerce Minister Taito Waradi returns next Monday.