To keep track of the rapid development taking place in China’s Greater Bay Area (consisting of Guangdong Province, Hong Kong and Macao), the Consul General of the Republic of Fiji in Shanghai, Dr. Yolinda Chan, travelled to Guangzhou and Jiangmen to get a better and up-to-date understanding of one of China’s most recent regional development strategies. The objective of the trip was an ongoing effort to explore business opportunities for Fijian exports through strengthened bilateral relations and more targeted promotion. 

In Jiangmen, which is the sister city of Lautoka in Fiji, Dr. Chan visited several local businesses and a global merchandise centre. The Centre which trades from food and beverages to jewelries and cosmetic products, have most of its goods sourced from overseas Chinese business network. Since many Fijian of Chinese ethnicity initially came from Guangdong and that Fiji enjoys a good brand reputation in China, the centre operators are keen and will work with local distributors and suppliers in Fiji to include Fijian brands on the exhibition shelves at the Centre. 

Dr. Chan stated that “while only a few Fiji products have entered the Chinese market in recent years, these products such as Fiji Water, Pure Fiji, Fiji Beer, Noni Juice are some of Fiji’s premium products, many of which are synonymous with quality and uniqueness to the Chinese consumers.  The Consulate General will work collaboratively with all relevant stakeholders to bring more Fijian goods and services to the vast Chinese market.  As Fiji is also a beautiful tourism destination, Fiji also welcomes more Chinese tourists from the Greater Bay Area to visit Fiji for holidays”.

In Guangzhou, Dr. Chan visited Nansha District, the geographic center of the Greater Bay Area. After being shown around at the Nansha Pearl Bay Development Exhibition Center to have a general idea on this prospering city district, Dr. Chan also visited the research and exhibition centres of IFLYTEK & Cloud Walk. The visiting delegation was briefed on the progress achieved by the two Chinese front runners in voice and facial recognition, which are emblematic of the rapid regional integration on research and development. The district officials also expressed interest in establishing closer ties with Fiji through cooperation in trade, tourism, cultural exchange and capacity building activities.