Connectivity has become a defining feature of the modern economy - Gavoka

Connectivity has become a defining feature of the modern economy needed for economic growth and enhancing the market.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka, highlighted this during the 3rd Road Forum for International Cooperation High-Level Forum for Connectivity in Beijing, China.

Gavoka says an economy like Fiji which is geographically remote on the global map, heavily relies on connectivity.

He says the Pacific Leaders under the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent are committed to ensuring a well-connected region and strengthening partnerships to support transport, information, communication, technology services and infrastructure.

He adds we need to invest in hard connectivity not just nationally but forming infrastructure networks that allow opportunities to trade with other countries.

He says this also means building social infrastructure conducive to economic growth such as ports, roads, railways, and airports connecting them across national borders to form economic corridors.

The Minister further says Fiji believes in fully supporting regional integration in such a spirit that leads to peace, stability and shared prosperity.

The 3rd Belt and Road Initiative Forum aims to enable China to enhance policy, infrastructure, trade and people-to-people connectivity to create opportunities for global development.

The BRI Forum was attended by heads of State and representatives from 140 countries and 30 global organisations.

China will also continue advancing scientific and technological innovation, support people-to-people exchanges and promote integrity-based Belt and Road cooperation.