27th July, 2018 TONGAN The Prime Minister, Hon Samuela ‘Akilisi Pohiva, met on Wednesday (25 July) with the Secretary of CPC Dongguan Municipal Committee and Director of Standing Committee of Dongguan Municipal People’s Congress, Mr. Liang Weidong, at the Cabinet Room at St George Building.
Dongguan City, with a population of 8.34 million, is located in central Guangdong Province in South China and is a forerunner of modern Chinese history and a pioneer of China’s reform and opening up during which Dongguan was transformed from a traditional agricultural county to an internationally renowned manufacturing city. It is an established fact that one out of every five smart phones globally is produced in Dongguan!
Tonga established its friendly cooperation with Dongguan City in 2015, with the assistance of the Chinese Embassy in Tonga. Over the last three years Dongguan City has provided Tonga with development assistance in the form of grants and in-kind contribution in a range of areas. In terms of infrastructure Dongguan had provided grants for the upgrading 21 roads in Tupou College in 2016 and 13 tourism roads in 2017 including those leading to Liku’alofa Beach Resort and to the Blow Holes in Houma. In May 2016, the Deputy Mayor of Dongguan City and the then Governor of Ha’apai signed a “Friendship Cities” relationship agreement. There have also been exchanges of high-level visits between Tonga and Dongguan City.
In his welcoming statement the Hon Prime Minister said, “The Government of Tonga wishes to extend its sincere thanks for the grant donations throughout the years in various fields such as Tourism, Culture, Education, Public Health, Medical treatment, Agriculture and Fisheries. Dongguan is an old friend of the Kingdom. Your visit today is an opportunity to revitalize our friendship.”
In response, Mr. Liang Weidong said, “I am delighted to hear that Dongguan and Tonga are old friends. Though this is my first time to visit your beautiful country I am impressed by the simplicity and hospitality of the Tongan people. Tonga is an important partner to China and we need to expand our dialogue and partnership. Dongguan is ready to continue to help Tonga to improve its people’s well-being.”
Mr. Liang Weidong and his delegation of 8 officials and staff had arrived in Tonga on 24 July. The meeting with the Hon Prime Minister was followed by a groundbreaking ceremony for the building of sidewalks in the greater Nuku’alofa area funded by Dongguan. The visiting delegation was scheduled to depart Tonga on 26 July.
ENDS
Issued by the: The Prime Minister’s Office, P.O. Box 62, Nuku’alofa, Tonga. Tel (676) 24 644 Fax: (676) 23 888; For media enquiries- Email: pressoffice@pmo.gov.to Website: www.pmo.gov.to