Vanuatu prime minister Charlot Salwai meets with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang ahead of talks in Beijing. Photo: Xinhua News Agency
Richard Butler | RNZ | May 31st, 2019
Vanuatu is looking at developing a port with China on Pentecost, one of the country’s northeastern islands.
Prime Minister Charlot Salwai and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang signed a deal for a feasibility study on a “small port” and road during the Mr Salwai’s visit to Beijing.
The China Daily reports the two countries also signed a cooperative plan for China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Premier Li Keqiang has called for better alignment between the Belt and Road and Vanuatu’s development strategies.
He also called for greater mutual trust during a meeting with Mr Salwai on Monday.
Mr Li said China and Vanuatu should deepen cooperation in areas including infrastructure construction, business, trade, fishing and tourism.
He said China will encourage its businesses to invest in Vanuatu, and expand imports.
Vanuatu signed up to the Belt and Road, China’s global development strategy, in November.