A delegation from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs visited the Samoa Observer Vaitele yesterday.
The visit was the first stop by the team of experts who are in Samoa to learn more about the socioeconomic development of the islands, as well as other issues.
The group is made up of Vice President of Guangdong Institute for International Strategies, Zhong Weihe, deputy Secretary General of Guangdong Institute for International Strategies, Chen Hanxi, Third Secretary, Department of North American and Oceania Affairs, Zhang Minglei and the Director of P.I.C Studies Center, Guangdong Institute for International Strategies, Zhou Fangyin.
They met with the Samoa Observer’s Editor-in-Chief, Savea Sano Malifa and Editor, Mata’afa Keni Lesa.
The group’s visit follows a meeting between China’s President, Xi Jinping, and Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, in Fiji last November.
Speaking during the meeting at Vaitele yesterday, Mr. Weihe said they were interested to learn about the issues faced by Samoa. He said they wanted to hear the media’s perspective about some of these challenges and how China can help.
Mr. Weihe said they were also interested in finding out how China can continue to help Samoa. His colleague, Mr. Fangyin, was equally curious about Samoa and its developments. While he commented on how beautiful and peaceful Samoa was, he said China was keen to help Samoa stay that way.
In addressing the group, Editor-in-Chief Savea highlighted the contribution China has made to the development of Samoa.
He said Samoa has benefitted from China’s assistance over the years and that the relationship between the two countries dates back many years.
As for the challenges facing Samoa, Savea highlighted the lack of employment for locals, education issues, street vendors and poverty. He also spoke about some of the challenges faced by local businesses due to the influx of Chinese companies who bring their own workers.
The Chinese delegation arrived yesterday. They are scheduled to meet with government and private sector officials before they return to Wellington.
They are also scheduled to visit Tonga.
