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Trade and agricultural cooperation between China and Vanuatu continue to expand, with bilateral trade between Sichuan Province and Vanuatu reaching US$4.27 million (around VT521 million)in 2024, a 13 percent increase from the previous year. The growth reflects both nations’ determination to strengthen practical cooperation and promote agricultural innovation. The latest boost came on October 22, when the China (Sichuan)–Vanuatu Agricultural Cooperation and Exchange Conference was held at the Chinese Embassy in Port Vila, gathering senior officials, diplomats, and business leaders from both countries. Vanuatu’s Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, and Biosecurity Ian Wilson and Minister of Trade Samson Samsen joined more than 20 delegates from Sichuan, who showcased advanced farming technologies and products. The event gave Vanuatu officials a closer look at how the Chinese province has transformed its agriculture through innovation and modern production systems. In his keynote address, Jin Lei, Head of the Sichuan Delegation, said the growing trade numbers were proof of strong cooperation and shared opportunity. “Although our two countries are separated by thousands of miles, we have always been good friends and reliable partners,” he said. “This US$4.27 million trade volume shows how our collaboration continues to deepen.” He recalled the May 2024 visit by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Johnny Koanapo to Sichuan, during which the Vanuatu delegation explored areas such as science and technology, culture, and rural revitalisation. “That visit opened new doors for practical cooperation,” Jin said. Sichuan, with an economic output of US$900 billion, ranks fifth among Chinese provinces and leads the nation in 14 major agricultural products. Jin said its experience — from the ancient Dujiangyan Irrigation System to modern aquaculture and food processing — could help Vanuatu strengthen its own agriculture. “We invite Vanuatu’s ministries and private sector to visit Sichuan, learn from our agricultural model, and explore opportunities in livestock, aquaculture, and value-added production,” he added. Representing the Chinese Embassy, Counselor d’Affaires Gu Zihua reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to advancing cooperation under the Belt and Road framework. “Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 43 years ago, China and Vanuatu have grown from being good friends to comprehensive strategic partners,” Gu said. “Sichuan’s strengths in agriculture complement Vanuatu’s natural resources and growing tourism and fisheries sectors.” Gu noted that Vanuatu’s participation in the China International Import Expo (CIIE) for seven consecutive years has helped bring local products such as aromatic and essential oils to the Chinese market. He also cited ongoing support for the Santo Economic Corridor and negotiations toward a China–Vanuatu Free Trade Agreement. On behalf of the Vanuatu government, Minister Wilson said the partnership aligns with Vanuatu’s long-term agricultural development goals. “Vanuatu continues to learn from Sichuan’s successful agricultural model,” he said. “These partnerships will strengthen our farmers’ capacity, open market access, and contribute to sustainable rural livelihoods.” The Port Vila conference — featuring product exhibitions, networking, and signing of cooperation agreements — concluded with both sides agreeing to establish a regular cooperation mechanism to expand exchanges in trade, education, and agricultural technology. Counsellor Gu Zihua quoted Confucius in closing, “Is it not a joy to have friends come from afar?”
