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FSM Participates in the 2010 China-PICs Forum on Eco-Tech Cooperation

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Embassy, Beijing): April 22, 2010 - As the adverse impacts of climate change encroaches on the survival and livelihood of mankind, most especially upon those most vulnerable in the small island countries, while at the same time hampering their sustainable developments, China and the Pacific Island countries are rising to the occasion and are looking into new energy as an effective way to deal with the global climate change, attract investment and create jobs. The 2010 China-Pacific Island Countries (PICs) Forum on Eco-Tech Cooperation convened its two day forum at the Star River Four Seasons Club Hotel in Beijing.

The Forum has brought together over two hundred participants ranging from Government and private sector officials from China and the Pacific Island countries. The Pacific 2 island countries present at the Forum were Cook Islands, FSM, Fiji, Niue, PNG, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, New Zealand and Australia. The Eco-Tech forum provided a valuable platform for project oriented cooperation between Chinese renewable energy companies and the Pacific Island Countries.

In a statement that was presented by His Excellency Akillino H. Susaia, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the FSM to China, he had echoed the same sentiments brought forth to the international community by President Mori that climate change is a matter of survival for our people, culture and nation. He acknowledged China's active stance on climate change and their continued support towards developing island countries such as the FSM. Ambassador Susaia highlighted to the participants of the forum that island countries are the most vulnerable to climate change and pleaded on behalf of the FSM and Pacific Island countries that preference, consideration, and assistance be provided to assist in our sustainable development efforts.

At the afternoon session of the forum, a signing ceremony was held where Ambassador Susaia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Sany Electric Co., Ltd for cooperation in the renewable energy industry in wind and solar power. The MOU sets in motion cooperation with Sany Electric Co., Ltd to work with the FSM in doing a feasibility study and project evaluation.

In line with the FSM Government's national climate change policy and the embassy's mandate to promote investment and tourism, the FSM Embassy will continue its effort in China to seek potential investors and partners that will contribute to the sustainable development efforts of the FSM.

Staffing Ambassador Susaia to the 2010 Eco-Tech Forum were Deputy Chief of Mission Carlson D. Apis, and First Secretary Vincent K. Sivas.

For further information, contact the FSM Embassy in Beijing at Ph: (86)1065324708 or e-mail address: embassy@fsmembassy.cn