Chinese Government grants multi-purpose cargo vessel worth USD 3.54 million to Fiji

On July 11, 2004, China agreed to grant Fiji a multi-purpose fishing vessel.

Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase along with Fisheries Minister Konisi Yabaki requested the Chinese National Fisheries Corporation, the largest Chinese government-owned fishing corporation, for a fishing vessel.

It was proposed that the vessel will be used as a research and training facility and also to transport catch from the outer islands.

On August 8, 2006, the Fiji Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry and Wuhan Changjiang Ship Design Institue (CSDI) signed the Memorandum of Understanding for the design of the ship.

On September 11, 2006, the Ambassador of the Embassy of China in Fiji visited the CSDI to exchange ideas about the project. Loan applications and disbursements are still being received and processed as the projects continue to evolve. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation are in place to ensure project continuity.