Tonga opens the Guangdong 21st Century Maritime Silk Road International Expo 2019 (MSRE) in China. ^Featured

The Honorable Deputy Prime Minister, Semisi Sika was delighted to be invited to be among dignitaries and former dignitaries of the Countries and Regions along

the Maritime Silk Road, who were invited and asked to deliver keynote speeches at the official opening ceremony of the MSRE on the 23rd August 2019.

Accompanying the Honourable Deputy Prime Minister was the CEO of the Ministry of Tourism, Mr. Sione Finau Moala-Mafi and the Deputy CEO for the Ministry of Tourism, Mrs. Magdalena Fifita.

The Honourable Deputy Prime Minister who is also the current acting Minister for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tonga, was also pleased to receive mutual support from the delegates from Tonga and other Pacific Countriesattending the 2019 Young Leaders Program for Pacific Island Countries

- Mrs. Odette Ganilau, Policy & Protocol Division, MFA.

- Mrs. Motulalo Halahala, Office of the Governor of Vava'u

- Mr. Inoke Pulu, Immigration Division, MFA

- Mrs. Mele Fifita Aho, Immigration Office, MFA

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- Ms. Nanise Fifita from the Ombudsman's Office.

As well as the Pacific’s participation at the MSRE, the event was well attended by leaders and government officials from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and South America.

This year’s event received a new record high attendance from 92 countries and regions. The forum that was themed on "High-Level Cooperation and High-Quality Development", hoped to serve as a platform to enhance friendship, economic and trade ties with countries and regions alongside the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

Since the establishment of the 21st Century MSRE in Guangdong China in 2014, it has boosted China's connectivity and network with the world including us in the South Pacific. Numerous developments have emerged as a result of this initiative, not only in bigger countries but also in Tonga as such.

Tonga's Hon. Deputy Prime Minister Semisi Sika stated in his keynote speech "Today, following 5years of cultivation and growth, the MSRE through roads and sea connectivity has successfully connected China through the Indian Ocean and now us in the Pacific Ocean. The Kingdom of Tonga is therefore indeed grateful and privileged to not only be a part of this global connectivity, development and network but also to be the leading Country in the Pacific".

In addition, the MSRE aims to promote the infrastructure connectivity, further strengthen multilateral investment and trade cooperation and development cooperation and to grasp the opportunities for development in the new century and thus ensuring beneficial and win-win results.

The Hon. Semisi Sika also added “This annual gathering is therefore very important as it enables us to share and dialogue on issues and experiences, and to strengthen partnerships and accountability amongst us all, ensuring that we all are able to reap the full potential of MSRE, whilst still preserving our environment and local culture for the enjoyment of future generations to come.”