On 6th June, the opening ceremony of Training Course on Coconut Production and Processing Technology for Kiribati was held in Tarawa. Charge D’Affaires of Chinese Embassy Mr Zhaojian, Vice President of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural (CATAS) Science Mr Cui Pengwei, Deputy Secretary of Public Service Office Ms Wanro Ngutu and Director Ms Riiti Uriam attended the ceremony. 50 trainees from Ministries, SOEs and communites, experts from CATAS joined the ceremony.
The training is sponsored by Chinese Government and implemented by CATAS. 10 experts in the fields of coconut high-efficient cultivation, germplasm resources utilization and processing will carry out the training from 6th to 26th June. The training not only include the classroom training, but also have the on-site instruction.
During the opening ceremony, Mr Zhao Jian said Coconut is not only an cash crop for I-Kiribati, but also an essential part of Kiribati culture. Increasing coconut production and export diversification is also a key priority area in KV20 and Coconut Sector Development Strategy, and that is the reason Chinese Embassy together with PSO decided to hold this coconut training. Last year, during the Second Foreign Ministers' Meeting between China and Pacific Island Countries, China issued a position paper proposing 15 points and 24 areas for concrete cooperation, including 3,000 human resources training opportunities for Pacific Island countries from 2020 to 2025. This year, China will also provide more than 100 training opportunities for Kiribati, and welcome Kiribati trainees participate both online and offline in China.
Deputy Secretary Ms Wanro thanked the Chinese Government for initiating the training. She said the training is the first of its kind held in Kiribati, and the first time that the experience of China in coconut production and processing technology has been introduced to Kiribati. It’s beneficial for Kiribati Government, SOE Officials and local farmers to improve their skills and maximize the full reap of coconut. She believes the lesson learned can be instrumental in trainees career and life time experience.
Director Ms Riiti said there have been 290 nationals trained and funded by the Chinese Government during the last 3 years. This is a strong testament of the Chinese commitment and partnership in supporting development of Kiribati’s human capital and opening up opportunities for learning and sharing.
Vice President of CATAS Mr Cui Pengwei welcomed all trainees participate the training. He mentioned that CATAS as the only coconut institute in China, has rich research results in coconut genomics, breeding of excellent varieties, high-yield cultivation, control of important pests and diseases, and deep processing of coconut, and has good experience in international training cooperation. CATAS will continue to provide technical support for Kiribati, and jointly promote Kiribati's coconut industry.
Representative of trainees Mr Taniera Biiko extended the heartfelt gratitude to Chinese Government, CATAS and PSO for organizing the training. The training will contribute to the future development of the participants, and the participants will try their best to make good use of this opportunity.
