Cooperation Between China And Fiji In Infrastructure Research

Fiji locates in the center of South Pacific region which make it enjoys strategicimportance. However, the underdeveloped infrastructure such as transportation andelectricity has been baffling Fiji’s economic growth and social development. China’sfinancial strength and capability of infrastructure construction could make up for Fiji’sdeficiency. Analysis of this article leads to the conclusion that a small country like Fijiwith huge demand for infrastructure construction could be a potential market for the"going out" Chinese enterprises and the two countries complement each other in thefield of infrastructure. Currently, a number of Chinese enterprises have accessed Fijimarket by undertaking infrastructure projects funded by concessional loans fromChina Export-Import Bank, commercial loans from China Development Bank, grantand interest-free loans from the Chinese government and loans from other countriesand organizations. These companies have managed to grow and become major playersin Fiji market. There is a broad prospect for mutual cooperation in transport sectorsuch as roads, airports and seaports, as well as energy sector such as hydropower,biomass, wind power, solar energy and power grid construction. Meanwhile, it’snecessary for China to realize that Fiji’s political landscape and policies, as well ascompetition from other donor countries and foreign companies might pose challengesto the future cooperation between China and Fiji. The Chinese government andcompanies need to coordinate and get prepared for the challenges in order to furtherdeepen infrastructure cooperation between the two countries and promote “One Beltand One Road” policy as well as “going out" of China’s equipment strategy by theChinese Government.