China Eyes Fiji with Chops-Licking Investment Interest

China has announced it is investing $100 in two hotels in Fiji, through its biggest tour operator, China Travel Service.

Additionally, China will establish a fund to encourage Chinese investments in the region and accord its alies approved tourism status, in conjunction with the first official visit by a Chinese premier, Wen Jiabao to the Pacific Islands.

Tahiti has been seeking preferential tourism approved country status from China to attract more tourists from China.

China joined the South Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO), based in Fiji, to promote tourism in the Pacific islands of French Polynesia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu and the Northern Marianas.

The recent first China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Forum was also attended by several airline and civil aviation officials from China.