Samoa

Note: This column mainly includes countries along the Belt and Road and countries that have signed cooperation agreements with China on Belt and Road Initiative.

In 2013, relations between the People's Republic of China and the Independent State of Samoa maintained a sound momentum.

The two sides had frequent exchanges at all levels. In March, Vice Minister of the CPC International Department Liu Jieyi visited Samoa. Li Qiangmin, Special Envoy for the China-Pacific Islands Forum Dialogue, paid working visits to Samoa in April and August. In June, Zhang Wei, Vice Chairman of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), visited Samoa. In September, Wang Hongju, Vice Chairman of the Environment Protection and Resources Conservation Committee of the National People's Congress, visited Samoa. In the same month, Special Envoy Li Qiangmin led a Chinese government delegation to the 25th Post-Forum Dialogue of the Pacific Islands Forum held in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, during which he met with Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi of Samoa. In April, Minister of Finance Faumuina Tiatia Faaolatane Liuga visited China, and Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Samoa Tofa Agafili Patisela Eteuati Tolovaa led a Samoan delegation to join the Political Leaders Delegation of the Pacific Island States in a visit to China. In June, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Faamoetauloa Taito Faale Tumaalii visited China. In November, Prime Minister Tuilaepa attended the Second China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Forum in China, and met with Vice Premier Wang Yang.

Exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in various areas developed steadily. The National Medical Center Phase I, built with Chinese preferential loans, was completed smoothly and handed over to Samoa. The National Medical Center Phase II and the National Broadband Highway Project were started. Two of the four China-assisted elementary schools were handed over to Samoa. Other technical cooperation projects in agriculture and medical care and the construction of a swimming center progressed smoothly. China provided 2,000 energy efficient air-conditioners to Samoa in support of its effort to save energy and cut emission. A medical team from Guangdong Province visited Samoa and provided free medical services, which was well received by the locals. China actively supported Samoa in hosting the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States, and was among the first to donate US$500,000 to relevant UN fund.