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A high-level Fiji government delegation will travel to China next week to boost technical and economic cooperation as well as trade and investment.
The delegation will be led by the interim minister for foreign affairs and external trade, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, and include the interim minister for trade and commerce, Taito Waradi, and six ministerial permanent secretaries and other senior officials.
The team will attend the inaugural meeting of the China - Fiji Trade and Economic Co-operation Commission and sign several agreements for development projects.
These include the building of the Navuso Bridge, the Somosomo hydro-electric project on the island of Taveuni, and the construction of a multi-role, inter-island cargo vessel.
The permanent secretary in the Prime Minister's Office, Parmesh Chand, says it is important to note that when Fiji's traditional partners such as Australia and New Zealand have turned their backs on the country, China is giving a helping hand.
A group of more than 30 business people and the ambassador designate to China, Sir James Ah Koy, will accompany the government delegation.
