STORY: China an important partner to Small Island Developing States: UNDP chief
SHOOTING TIME: May 30, 2024
DATELINE: May 31, 2024
LENGTH: 00:02:05
LOCATION: St. John's
CATEGORY: POLITICS

SHOTLIST:
1. various of small island developing states
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ACHIM STEINER, UNDP chief
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): ACHIM STEINER, UNDP chief

STORYLINE:

Achim Steiner, head of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), who attended the fourth International Conference on SIDS (Small Island Developing States) held in Antigua and Barbuda, said that China is today a major partner to many countries because it provides affordable technologies for building renewable energy infrastructure.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ACHIM STEINER, UNDP chief
"I think whether it is solar or wind power or whether it is in fact also the investment in and charging infrastructure so that electric vehicles could become viable alternatives for both the citizens but also the tourism sector and the commercial sector as a way of moving peoples and goods.
There are tremendous opportunities here where I think China both as a partner, but also through the companies that China has producing these products, I think can be a very important partner to many Small Island Developing States."

According to remarks made by Representative of the Chinese government and Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu during the conference, since 2018, China has approved and implemented some 200 cooperation projects with SIDS in trade, investment, infrastructure, medical services and health.

Steiner said that in this sense, the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Chinese government's Global Development Initiative both share the goal of sustainable development.

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): ACHIM STEINER, UNDP chief
"And the Global Development Initiative has indeed recognized the sustainable development goals as a key framework. I think within that context, China's continued engagement as a partner, sometimes as an investor, sometimes as a lender, can certainly address some of the significant infrastructure needs, but also the transition towards a greener economy or a blue economy for that matter."

The conference, held under the theme "Charting the course toward resilient prosperity" Monday through Thursday, addressed the world's most pressing challenges, including climate change and achieving sustainable development goals.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from St. John's.
(XHTV)