The Confucius Institute at the University of the South Pacific, Fiji and the Faculty of Business and Economics jointly hosted the forum on South Pacific Island Countries and the Belt and Road Initiative on August 28th. Professor Wang Yiwei, Director of the Institute of International Relations at Renmin University of China, scholars of the University of the South Pacific and representatives of associations of overseas Chinese and Chinese-funded enterprises were present upon invitation.
Forum on the South Pacific Island Countries and the Belt and Road Initiative
Experts present at the forum said that the Belt and Road Initiative is beneficial to all countries in the world, including the South Pacific region, and it provides many important opportunities for strengthening the cooperation between China and the countries involved.
Professor Wang Yiwei (right) delivering a speech at the forum
Professor Wang Yiwei said that the inclusive Belt and Road Initiative is China’s new contribution to the world. Its goal is to seek new ways for achieving worldwide prosperity, further optimize the distribution of resources and trade, promote regional economic integration and achieve concurrent economic and social development. As a new model of regional economic development is needed in the 21st century, the Belt and Road Initiative serves as an innovative form of regional cooperation.
Professor Wang Yiwei (middle) attending the forum
Wang Yiwei said that the Belt and Road Initiative will connect the Asian-Pacific Region and create new development opportunities and space for Eurasia. During the past five years, the Belt and Road Initiative has delivered to the world including the South Pacific region tangible benefits with huge development potential and bright prospects.
Dr. Neelesh Gounder from the Faculty of Business and Economics of the University of the South Pacific making a speech
Dr. Neelesh Gounder from the Faculty of Business and Economics of the University of the South Pacific and Dr. Wesley from the School of Government, Development and International Affairs of the University of the South Pacific also said in their speeches that the Belt and Road Initiative, through strengthening the connection and connectivity in policy, infrastructure, trade, finance and cultural exchanges, aims at solving global and regional economic problems and providing many important opportunities for China and its traditional regional partners to strengthen cooperation on issues such as infrastructure construction and climate change.
Professor Wang Yiwei delivering a speech at the forum
Dr. Makumbi, who studied in China and taught at the Faculty of Business and Economics of the University of the South Pacific, said in an interview that the Belt and Road Initiative is open and inclusive, welcoming all countries and regions. The global driving force of the Belt and Road Initiative is gaining greater momentum, and a growing number of multilateral and international organizations are calling for strengthening regional cooperation through the Belt and Road Initiative. (cited from Confucius Institute Headquarters, source: xinhuanet.com, Story by Zhang Yongxing)