A Solomon Islands Government delegation has completed a three-and-a-half-week seminar on public affairs and capacity building in China.
The seminar was hosted by the International Economic Cooperation Center of Fujian Province (IECC) from 26 August to 19 September.
According to a statement from the Government Communications Unit, the delegation included officials from ministries involved in public service administration.
The statement said the programme covered public administration, governance, policy development, social protection, employment, digital economy, public-sector reform and international cooperation.
Participants also learned about China’s governance system, social welfare and security, pension and medical insurance reforms, labour policies and digital economy development.
Sessions examined Fujian’s experience in modernisation, ecological development and international cooperation. Participants also explored China-Solomon Islands relations and approaches to global governance.
“The programme combined classroom sessions with field visits to companies, institutions, commercial sites and heritage locations.
“These visits provided practical insights into China’s economic development, public services, innovation and community development,” the statement said.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Solomon Islands Deputy Secretary for National Planning and Development Coordination, Roy Mae, thanked the IECC, China’s Ministry of Commerce and the Government of Fujian Province.
He also acknowledged the lecturers, facilitators, interpreters and support staff.
“The true measure of a capacity-building programme is not simply what we learn while attending it, but what we are able to apply when we return home,” Mae said.
IECC Director Wu Zibin reaffirmed the centre’s support for Solomon Islands through people-to-people capacity-building programmes.
Both speakers encouraged participants to apply their knowledge within their respective ministries and institutions.
The seminar also strengthened institutional and people-to-people links between Solomon Islands and China.
The government statement said the IECC has organised more than 600 foreign-aid training programmes for over 16,000 participants from more than 150 countries and international organisations.
