1st China-FSM Economic and Trade Commission Meeting

Palikir, Pohnpei (Dept. of Foreign Affairs).  On January 25, 2016, Zhang Xiangchen, Deputy China International Trade Representative and Vice Minister headed a Ministry of Commerce delegation to the FSM to attend the 1^st China-FSM Economic and Trade Commission meeting in Pohnpei. The purpose of the meeting is to promote economic and trade opportunities between FSM and China.

Prior to the convening of the Commission, the Vice Minister paid a courtesy call on President Christian.

Secretary of Foreign Affairs and co-chairman of the meeting, T.H. Lorin Robert opened the meeting at 9:30 a.m. at Cliff Rainbow Hotel and welcomed the delegation again to the FSM. Secretary Robert thanked the Government of the People’s Republic of China through T.H. Zhang Xiangchen for initiating the historic occasion, commencing the first ever China-FSM Economic and Trade Commission Meeting. He further stated he takes pride to be part of the meeting knowing that FSM was the second country in the Pacific Islands to ever establish such meeting with China. Secretary Robert continued by stressing the importance of the meeting to further strengthen the Sino-FSM relations.

 

T.H. Zhang Xiangchen responded by thanking Secretary Robert for the hospitality extended to his delegation upon arrival. He reiterated his appreciation to the FSM Government for the opportunity to sit down face to face to strengthen the bilateral relations between FSM and China. He further touched on a number of important issues that will enhance the working relations between the two countries.

There were a number of agenda discussions led by the co-chairs that solicited focus issues relating to their respective areas. Additionally, there were a number of interventions from Secretary of Resources and Development, T.H. Marion Henry, Secretary of Education, T.H. Kalwin Kephas, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Carlson Apis, and Mr. Akillino Susaia on matters pertaining to relevant issues. 

The meeting concluded with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding by Secretary Robert and T.H. Zhang Xiangchen, Deputy China International Trade Representative on behalf of their respective governments.

For more information, please contact the Department of Foreign Affairs in Palikir at (691)320-2613.