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FSM President Mori attends 2^nd China-Pacific Economic Cooperation and Development Forum

Guangzhou, China (FSM Information Services): November 20, 2013 - President Manny Mori attended the recently concluded Second China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Cooperation and Development Forum held on November 8, 2013 in Guangzhou, China. The Forum is a high-level event that brings Chinese leaders together with the leaders of Pacific Island Countries including the FSM. The first of its kind was held in 2006 in Nadi, Fiji.

The objective of the Forum is to discuss economic cooperation and development for the Pacific region, particularly with those countries, which have diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China.

In his address at the Forum, President Mori referred to the Forum as yet another opportunity to strengthen the relations between China and the Pacific Island Countries. He further stressed the need for Small Island Countries like the FSM to be strategic in the approach and use of development assistance given the prevailing global financial challenges. President Mori stated that for the FSM, knowing each year the level of China's development assistance will enable the FSM to plan and budget properly the best use of such grants and assistance.

Four seminars were also organized at the margins of the Forum in the sector areas of Agriculture and Fisheries, Environmental Protection, Trade and Investment, and Tourism. Members of President's delegation participated in the various seminars and workshops.

Accompanying President on his delegation were key members of his cabinet, diplomatic personnel from the FSM Embassy in China, and some representatives of the private sector in the FSM.