Samoa joined the Peoples Republic of China to celebrate the 68th anniversary of its founding on Friday night.

The celebration was held at the Chinese Embassy, Vailima.

Among the special guests were the Head of State, His Highness Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II and Masiofo, Her Highness Faamausili Leinafo Tuimaleali’ifano, Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, members of the diplomatic corps and the business community.

Acting Prime Minister, Tialavea Leniu Hunt congratulated the government of China.

“It is almost 42 years since Samoa and China established diplomatic relations,” Tialavavea said.

“ln that time, Samoa has benefited significantly, through development co-operation programmes, particularly in improving its infrastructure.” 

“Likewise, many Samoans have benefited through the various avenues for capacity building through scholarship and training programs as well as the deployment of technical expertise in various fields, such as agriculture, education, maintenance of sports facilities and health.”

“With the assistance of the Chinese, Samoa continues to boast first-class sporting facilities, which has no doubt contributed to Samoa’s recent successful bid to host the upcoming South Pacific Games in 2019.”

Samoa’s engagement with China since 1975, remains underpinned by the One China policy.

“Samoa has also consistently given its support for China at the United Nations and various international fora.” Tialavea said.

“Samoa looks forward to opportunities for trade and investment and we appreciated the demonstration of such potential at the recent Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting in Apia.” 

“I hope the private sector has taken note of the opportunities offered, and took advantage of the networking that was made possible through the Forum Side Event.”

“ln the recent past we have seen the emergence of new Chinese entrepreneurship in our communities; there are benefits both ways, and we must ensure that the balance is maintained, so as to encourage fair competition and ensure that the friendly relations between our two countries is maintained.”

Tialavea believes that China has made great strides in its development in the last decade for the betterment of its people.

“For that, the celebration of every year of the anniversary of the founding of the People‘s Republic of China is a significant event.” 

“We wish the People’s Republic of China every success in the future.”

Chinese Ambassador to Samoa, Wang Xuefang said there have been fruitful results in terms of exchanges and cooperation in all fields. “The Chinese and Samoan governments signed the Civil Air Transport Agreement, laying the foundation for future cooperation between the civil airlines of the two countries.”

“The economy and society of Samoa witness steady development with livelihood of people further lifted.” 

“At this happy moment when we celebrate the National Day of China, we would like to congratulate on the new achievements made by Samoa and to express our heartfelt thanks to the Samoan Government and people for the sincere friendship and strong support to the Chinese government and people.”