Fiji participated for the first time at the 2023 Maritime Silk Road Culture and Tourism Expo in Ningbo, China.

Consul General & Trade Commissioner of the Republic of Fiji in Shanghai and Dean of the Shanghai Diplomatic Corps, Dr. Yok Yee Chan while giving her keynote speech said the expo was timely as it coincided with the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The expo deemed as an excellent platform to showcase the spirit of the Silk Road was held at the Ningbo International Convention and Exhibition Center from June 30 to July 3.

Dr. Chan also led the Shanghai Diplomatic Corps delegation to the 2023 Maritime Silk Road Culture and Tourism Expo. While introducing Fiji to the distinguished guests present at the expo opening, Dr. Chan stated the small island economy is strategically located in the Pacific.Fiji she noted was a natural extension partner to the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

She highlighted that in November 2018, China and Fiji signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. "Over the years, China has implemented more than 100 completed projects in Fiji, particularly on public infrastructure such as ports, roads, government buildings, schools and hospitals,"she says. "Other cooperation include projects on mushrooms (juncao), upland rice cultivation, and aquaculture." 

"Under the BRI and over the past 10 years, the Pacific Island Countries benefited from more than 5,000 scholarships and over 8,000 training opportunities in China." By fostering cultural exchange and promoting tourism, Dr. Chan said the expo honored the spirit of connectivity and exchange that defined the Silk Road era. "As we gather here in Ningbo, a city steeped in maritime history, we are reminded of the profound impact that the Maritime Silk Road had on this region." "The expo brings together diverse cultures, traditions, and historical legacies that once thrived along the ancient trade routes,"she added.

Dr. Chan pointed out that through exhibitions, performances, and interactive displays at the expo highlighted the rich heritage, art, music, cuisine, and craftsmanship that flourished along the Silk Road. A representative from Fiji Airways also presented on tourism activities and promotions offered by Fiji’s national airline and Tourism Fiji.

This expo was an important exhibition held in Ningbo city after the China-CEEC Expo and before the Asian Games; as it was also the city's first major event in the cultural and tourism industry after the pandemic.

The expo was hosted by the Publicity Department of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) Zhejiang Provincial Committee, the Zhejiang Culture and Tourism Department, and the Ningbo Municipal Government.