The development cooperation between Fiji and China is expected to go up a notch with several agreements in place.

This particularly to expand assistance under the Road and Belt initiative.

China’s Ambassador to Fiji Qian Bo says the Fiji China relations have never been stronger or more respected with formal arrangements expanding ties.

Ambassador Bo says areas of increased capacity include the doubling up of scholarships for Fijians to China as well as opening up the tourism sector with talk’s on-going of a direct flight.

“China Fiji relations have netted a sound momentum of development.  We have reached a historical height. Last November, President Xi Jinping met with the Leaders of the South Pacific Island countries where Leaders of each of these countries agreed to lift the bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership featuring mutual respect and common development and cooperation agreements under the Belt and Road, education and tourism were signed, opening a new chapter in the development of bilateral relations.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says the Fiji – China relationship is one that has been built on great respect and genuine kindness that remains constant to this day.

Fiji first established diplomatic relations with China in 1975.