Defense Minister Inia Seruiratu says Fiji must not be suspicious of China or other countries when it comes to trade agreements.

He says Fiji must have trade and develop strategic partnerships with all our friends as a developing country.

The Minister yesterday refuted claims by Opposition MP Viliame Gavoka that the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) will have serious implication on the country.

The BRI is a development strategy adopted by the Chinese government involving infrastructure development and investments in 27 countries across Europe, Asia and the Pacific.

Seruiratu says the BRI is about development, trade, and economic growth.

Meanwhile, a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation within the framework of the BRI was signed between Fiji and China last year.

This to provide a framework for engagement and collaboration between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.