Martin Li

    martin.mouse@163.com

    AMBASSADORS from South Pacific island countries spared no effort to promote investment opportunities in their homelands to Shenzhen enterprises at the Wuzhou Guest House in Futian District yesterday afternoon.

    The ambassadors of countries including Samoa and the Federated States of Micronesia arrived in Shenzhen on Tuesday to attend a forum jointly held by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shenzhen and the Pacific islands trade and investment group.

    They also witnessed the signing of a document between Shenzhen and the investment body, marking the city’s intention to cooperate with South Pacific island countries in the new energy, fishing, agriculture and tourism sectors.

    The ambassadors began their presentation with a brief introduction of their countries, followed by the areas in which they are eager to draw investment.

    The ambassador of Samoa to China, Tapusalaia Toomata, said Samoa needs investment in industries including tourism, agriculture and fishing.

    “Tourists to Samoa are mainly from Australia and New Zealand and the number of Chinese tourists is low,” said Toomata.

    He said that international Chinese travelers are predicted to reach 100 million by the end of this year and Samoa wants to become a popular destination.

    “Chinese tourists look for natural beauty, quality infrastructure and strong local culture... Samoa is a safe and secure destination. We invite people from Guangdong and Shenzhen to Samoa,” said Toomata.

    “We are seeking hotel investment... we are encouraging Guangdong and Shenzhen companies to invest in large-scale biotech farming, which has big potential... we are looking for fishing companies to develop joint ventures in fishing,” he said.

    Akillino Susaia, ambassador of the Federated States of Micronesia to China, invited investment in renewable energy, telecommunication, fishing and tourism.

    “Micronesia has duty-free access to the U.S. market, a modern telecommunication system, low local tax, a young and relatively cheap labor force and friendly people,” said Susaia.

    Shenzhen-based enterprises like ZTE have opened companies in South Pacific island countries, according to the city’s vice mayor, Chen Biao.