Richard Butler | Exclusive Report by BASTILLE POST GLOBAL | 27TH JULY, 2024
Vanuatu is looking to the Chinese market in its long-term plans to grow production capacity and exports, said Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai during his official visit to China.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai.
Thanks to its suitable climate, Vanuatu is rich in agricultural products, such as coffee beans and coconut. These products are also entering the Chinese market through platforms like the China International Import Expo (CIIE).
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) that aired Friday, Salwai highlighted the country’s aspirations to enhance their productivity in order to win over Chinese consumers.
“Before talking about market, we need to go back to primary industry to produce more. Because China is not a small market, it’s a big market. And I’ve also invited investors who want to invest in the product sector in coffee, cocoa, cattle, because we have some of the best beef,” said the prime minister.
Salwai recalled that when he was a student, his classmates chose German, Spanish, and Japanese as second foreign languages because these countries were leading in technology development. Nowadays, more young students in his country are showing interest in the Chinese language and culture due to China’s rapid emergence.
“Today, it’s Chinese. We are importing a lot also from China. If we want to have a good relationship with China, we have to learn the Chinese language to better understand Chinese culture. We already decided to introduce Chinese language in few schools in Vanuatu. We have quite a good number as well of students studying in China. And I think it’s not wrong. It’s the right decision to come and learn Chinese, because tomorrow we have to work more with China definitely,” he said.
