Samoan PM's visit gives vigor to China-Pacific Island ties

Editor's note: Ibrahim Khalil Ahasan, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a Bangladesh-based independent columnist and freelance journalist who writes on contemporary international issues. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa's determination to cooperate with China in key areas such as education system, agricultural modernization efforts, fisheries development, aquaculture, marine environmental protection, mangrove conservation and smart city management not only paves the way for stronger ties between Beijing-Apia ties, but also contributes to the prosperity of both China and Pacific Island countries (PIC).

During her meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Mata'afa stressed the value of excellent collaboration with China in Samoa's vital areas. President Xi affirmed, China will continue to assist Samoa in its economic and social development and tap the potential of the economy, trade, investment, agriculture, and fisheries to achieve common development. In evaluating her country's relationship with China, Mata'afa acknowledges that Samoa-China relations are a vital component of the South Pacific nation's progress in every area of its development.

An important turning point in international environmental cooperation was recently reached when Samoa and 27 other nations inked a historic agreement for an International Mangrove Center in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province. Cooperation with China on mangrove protection strengthens the island nation's environmental sustainability and coastal resilience.

Like Samoa, PICs pursuing quality and sustainable growth for a better future can benefit from the China's solutions in modernization and sustainability. China has made a significant impact on Samoan infrastructure, contributing to the country's greater pursuit of prosperity and modernization. Notably, Samoa was one of the first PICs to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation with China.

The current strong trajectory of relations between China and Samoa has been shaped by China's generous and beneficial support, reflected on Samoan banknotes.

Samoa has greatly benefited from deepening its ties with China, with key projects including health cooperation in the medical sector, the China-Samoa Friendship Park and Cultural Arts Center to Apia Park, the international conference center, the largest comprehensive center, and from Faleolo International Airport to the Samoan government building. These development efforts demonstrate that China's equal treatment of nations regardless of their size, power or wealth.

To boost quality growth, efficiency and resilience, the South Pacific Island nation, aims to adopt the Chinese model of market-oriented vocational education, agricultural development and poverty alleviation strategies.

Samoa's drive for high-quality development aligns with China's modernization goals and the 14th Five-Year Plan. Samoa's five-year national plan, "Pathway for the Development of Samoa FY2021/22-FY2025/26," outlines five strategic goals including: a diversified and sustainable economy, improved social development, good governance, environmental security and infrastructure growth.

Through China-Samoa cooperation, new energy will help Samoan farmers create resilient, inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems, boost incomes, generate jobs and enhance governance through experience exchanges. Samoan government personnel will receive information technology training from top Chinese best instructors at Taizhou Polytechnic College, improving the effectiveness of Samoan governance.

Samoa's economic and social development will benefit from collaboration with China in areas such as healthcare, education, Pacific tourism and people-to-people exchanges. Sustainable development will be further supported through collaboration on climate change and marine protection and the development of fisheries infrastructure, which remains vital to the Samoan economy.

Chinese investment in Samoa's private sector, collaboration on disaster management for climate and disaster resilience and an influx of Chinese tourists will help pave the way for a more sustainable and self-sufficient future, further aiding in the recovery of the Samoan tourism industry.

Collaboration through multilateral initiatives like the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent along with bilateral frameworks like the BRI and the Global Development Initiative, China-Samoa high quality cooperation can serve as a positive model for other PICs.

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