The South Pacific Islands Union Pavilion of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone Country (Regional) Center was inaugurated at the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone on July 9.

The pavilion was authorized by governments of the South Pacific Islands, such as the Republic of Fiji, the Republic of Vanuatu, and the Republic of Samoa. 

Relying on the pilot free trade zone, it plans to become a comprehensive investment, trade, and cultural tourism exchange service platform to promote the region in the Yangtze River Delta and spreading across China. It also acts as a hosting entity boosting project cooperation between Shanghai and the South Pacific Islands.

The South Pacific Islands Union Pavilion was upgraded from the Fiji National Pavilion, which was established during the 1st China International Import Expo (CIIE) last year. 

Fiji products gained further expansion in popularity and influence in China for exhibitions, including water, beer, and cosmetics at the first CIIE. 

According to Shan Yuqiang, curator of the South Pacific Islands Union Pavilion, products from six countries were displayed at the first CIIE. The organizers are confident in the fruitful achievements of the second session, as the negotiation is underway and more South Pacific Islands have shown an intention to participate.

The first-phase display area of the new pavilion is about 900 square meters and is mainly divided into thematic areas showcasing characteristic tourism of the South Pacific Islands, cultural exchanges, cosmetic and daily chemical products, tuna and marine products, as well as food and featured commodities.

Mobile office areas and meeting rooms have been established to offer convenience for business negotiations of enterprises from the South Pacific Islands to settle in the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone. 

The second-phase display area will be completed after the second CIIE to fully carry the post-expo products after the exhibition and conduct transactions all year round.

In addition, to strengthen deep communication and cooperation with the South Pacific Islands, the pavilion will set up platforms for trade exchanges and cooperation, including facilitating cultural exchanges and tourism development interaction, centering on building a mutually beneficial innovative cooperation model under the guidance and support of the free trade zone administration besides offering services and project docking between enterprises in China and the South Pacific Islands.

On the same day, the South Pacific Islands Union Pavilion signed strategic cooperation agreements with the Pacific Islands Trade & Invest Commission, Luneng Group, CNFC Overseas Fisheries Co Ltd, Shanghai Airlines International Travel Service Group, and Guangdong Radio and Television Station Touch TV to jointly construct a comprehensive service platform integrating investment, trade, culture, and tourism with functions of “introducing” and “going out.”

The official opening of the South Pacific Islands Union Pavilion increases the number of China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone Country (Regional) Centers to eight. 

Zhang Hao, deputy general manager of Shanghai Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone Group Co Ltd, revealed that country (regional) centers at the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone have been regarded as key work of the year by the CPC municipal committee and municipal government as hub platforms facilitating the Belt and Road Initiative. A steering group led by the free trade zone administration has been set up.

Besides exhibition stands established by overseas companies, including the South Pacific Islands Union Pavilion, to deepen project cooperation, the free trade zone country (regional) centers will continue to develop bonded and non-bonded exhibition and trading places during the second CIIE under the unified leadership of the free trade zone administration and Shanghai Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone Group Co Ltd to enhance connectivity, expand opening up efforts to the outside world, as well as improve investment and trade facilitation. 

The South Pacific Islands Union Pavilion of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone Country (Regional) Center. [Photo/jfdaily.com]

The South Pacific Islands Union Pavilion has a tuna and seafood exhibition area. [Photo/pdtimes.com.cn]

Locals can buy bluefin tunas at the South Pacific Islands Union Pavilion. [Photo/pdtimes.com.cn]