Liu Minxia

    mllmx@msn.com

    SHENZHEN tourists and investors are welcome in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the country’s ambassador to China said in Shenzhen yesterday. The tourist resources of FSM are similar to Malaysia and Thailand, already favorites for Chinese travelers.

    Akillino H. Susaia, FSM’s ambassador to China, is visiting Shenzhen for an ongoing trade and investment promotion fair in the city.

    “We would like to receive investment in four sectors: tourism, agriculture, fishery and renewable energy,” Susaia said. “We encourage Shenzhen hotel operators and other tourism developers to establish businesses in our nation.”

    Geographical isolation and a poorly developed infrastructure were major impediments to the nation’s long-term growth, but the nation is seeking improvements, Susaia said.

    Working closely with the Civil Aviation Administration of China, Susaia said his country hopes to sign an agreement with the administration next week to open direct flights to FSM from China. “From Shenzhen to my nation, it will take only three and a half hours if you fly directly,” said Susaia.

    Compared with travel destinations in Southeast Asia, FSM offers more natural resorts, smaller islands with fresh air, clean water, and a large variety of seafood, the ambassador said.

    In 1996, Liancheng Overseas Fishery (Shenzhen) Co., China’s largest supplier of fresh tuna, and a smaller Shenzhen company called ACC Link invested in the nation, according to the ambassador. “We’re also seeking partnership with ZTE Corp., which will provide us software and help us upgrade the telecom network from 2G to 3G,” Susaia said.

    In addition to the four sectors mentioned above, Susaia said the nation also welcomes Shenzhen companies to invest in the manufacturing industry, especially garment making.