Vanuatu and China’s bilateral agreement for aviation development

December 3, 2024 9:57 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Adorina Massing.

The Vanuatu Government signed a bilateral agreement on Civil Air Transport and a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on Traffic Rights with the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) yesterday to enhance bilateral ties in aviation, tourism and trade.

CAAC Administrator Song Zhiyong shared that during the past two days, the two countries have prolonged in discussions and shared dialogues in relations to air transportation and how to strengthen them.

“Vanuatu has long been a good friend of China in the South Pacific,” Mr. Song said

“Over the past 42 years, the relationship between the two resulted in something stronger, and we are appreciative of how Vanuatu has stood and supported the One-China Policy.

“Our aim is for both leaders to support the aviation impact at a national effort.

“During the past four months, we have maintained consultations between the countries to sign the Air Service Agreement and the Memorandum of Agreement on Traffic Rights to provide legal foundation for airline services to meet national and international demands.”

Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Minister for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Matai Seremaiah, conveyed his thanks on behalf of the Vanuatu Government and said it is the first time for the CAAC to foster a relationship with the Civil Aviation Authority of Vanuatu (CAAV).

“Vanuatu is dependent on tourism, from a Government scale, we are committed to partake in the agreement to promote marketing and tourism in the country,” he said.

CAAV Acting Director and Deputy Director Ellory Takiau said the MoA is to bind the agreement made during the Prime Minister’s visit to China this year to sign the Air Transportation Agreement which will allow Chinese planes to make direct flights between China and Vanuatu.

Mr. Salwai had remarked during his visit that Vanuatu will connect with state and business corporations in Shanghai to promote Vanuatu as a favourable destination for Chinese investors and tourists.

Mr. Takiau said this MoA is to ensure if China wants to extend its flights to Port Moresby and to Port Vila, the CAAV will facilitate the flights.

“The MoA will strengthen CAAV to work more closely with CAAC to bind diplomatic ties between the two nations,” he said.

According to past consultations held between the Vanuatu Government and CAAC Deputy Director General (DG), Chen Wei, in 2018, Mr. Chen was briefed on how the Government of Vanuatu is setting its sights on flights between China direct to Vanuatu and that initial preparations are carefully being looked at to facilitate such flights.

The Deputy DG of CAAC reassured that CAAC would assist CAAV and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities (MIPU) in marketing Port Vila to Chinese airline companies and aircraft intending to operate in Vanuatu. CAAC further stated its commitment to consider and assist CAAV accordingly, based on the excellent diplomatic relations both countries enjoy.