Overcoming the impact of the epidemic, the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative has injected new vitality into the economies of countries along the route. Keshmir Macun, a well-known scholar at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji, said in an exclusive interview with reporters in the capital Suva recently that the Belt and Road Initiative has effectively promoted the South Pacific island countries. The social and economic development of China is well received by the South Pacific island countries. The Belt and Road Initiative has broad prospects for cooperation and huge potential.

Ma Kun studied in China and has been following and researching the Belt and Road Initiative for many years. He believes that, as an important cooperation platform, the Belt and Road Initiative has promoted bilateral relations between China and these participating countries, and the improvement of relations between China and South Pacific island countries is a good example. China has contributed a lot to the South Pacific island countries in terms of infrastructure construction. It is this kind of solid friendly cooperation that has pushed the relationship between China and the South Pacific island countries to a new height.

Site of a coastal road expansion project undertaken by a Chinese company

In Ma Kun's eyes, there are countless examples of the Belt and Road Initiative benefiting the people's livelihood in Fiji. "In January 2018, the Stinson Bridge and Watuwaka Bridge, which were assisted by China, were completed, which greatly relieved the traffic pressure in the east of Suva and became an important node connecting Suva to Nausori Economic Corridor; Suva The Navua Hospital near Wa has made it easier for people in the surrounding areas to see a doctor; the China-aided Juncao Technology Demonstration Center project opened in Nadi, Fiji's third largest city in 2014, aims to help Fiji farmers get rid of poverty and become rich, improve the ecological environment and promote Sustainable development has opened up new avenues. These projects in China teach people how to fish, which is a successful practice between China and Fiji in the mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation of the Belt and Road Initiative, and is well received by the Fiji government and people.”

He said that the Belt and Road Initiative achieves the vision of common prosperity and development through infrastructure construction, and continues to demonstrate strong vitality, injecting strong impetus into global openness and cooperation and the recovery of the world economy.

Employees of Fiji Mushroom Company display mushrooms grown with the help of the China-aided Juncao Technology Demonstration Center Project

Ma Kun believes that there is huge potential for future cooperation between China and South Pacific island countries. He said that as the world's second largest economy, China and the South Pacific island country rich in natural resources have complementary advantages. The two sides should make full use of the Belt and Road cooperation platform to further deepen and expand cooperation areas. In addition to infrastructure construction, the two sides can also develop green Renewable energy, smart transportation, e-commerce and climate change are making a difference. "The Belt and Road Green Development Partnership Initiative can be aligned with the sustainable development roadmap of the South Pacific island countries, the Blue Pacific Continent 2050 Development Strategy, which is of great significance to improving the management of the environment and climate crisis, innovating green financial products, and launching joint venture financial green projects. helpful."

Ma Kun also refuted the slander of the Belt and Road cooperation by Western countries, pointing out that the Belt and Road Initiative is a win-win cooperation between China and participating countries and will not lead to the so-called "debt trap".

He emphasized that the Belt and Road cooperation is open, inclusive, and committed to common development, which is in the interests of China and South Pacific island countries and other international partners. He hoped that other international partners can join hands with China to take practical actions for the development of South Pacific island countries. Editor / Xu Shengpeng