By Alfred Sasako
THE Patron of the Pacific China Friendship Association (PCFA), Her Royal Highness Princess Salote Mafile’o Pilolevu Tuita has suggested establishing a Pearl Maritime Road Initiative to extend China’s Maritime Silk Road Initiative to the Pacific Region.
This was contained in a Communique issued at the end of the Pacific China Friendship Association Annual General Meeting held at Sanya, Hainan Province in southern China last week.
The Communique outlined the outcomes of the one-day meeting attended by Friendship Associations from the Americas and the Oceania (Asia-Pacific) Region.
The meeting, held on 27th November, was the first since the Non-governmental organisation was established at its inaugural meeting in the Kingdom of Tonga in October 2016.
The Communique said:
“The PCFA was inaugurated in October 2016 in the Kingdom of Tonga and its aims principally include promotion of friendship and understanding between Friendship Associations and to participate in projects of mutual interest, including cultural, educational and economic activities.
The meeting commenced with an address by the Patron, Her Royal Highness, Princess Salote Mafile’o Pilolevu Tuita who encouraged the initiation of a Pearl Maritime Road initiative, to extend the Maritime Silk Road to the Pacific Region.
Dr Hiria Ottino, President of PCFA reported on the many achievements of the organization so far, including arranging scholarships with the Shanghai Ocean University, coordinating students to attend an international camp in Shanghai, provision of library books and lap top computers.
An election of five Board Members took place and representatives from the Friendship Associations of Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu and Australia were successful.
Dr Ottino was confirmed as President and Mr Anthony Leong was elected as Secretary General.
The meeting discussed and ratified a new Constitution which will guide and support the Association in its deliberations.
A presentation from Wuxi Suntech Power Company showed how their sustainable technologies can be utilized especially across the Pacific Region to benefit communities.
The Patron and the Chairman and CEO of Suntech signed a Memorandum of Understanding, pledging mutual cooperation and communication.
The meeting concluded with general consensus, willingness and co-operation to partner on future projects to benefit the communities of the Pacific Region.
