A landmark visit to Wuzhou, Guangxi, China has opened new pathways for cooperation between the Cook Islands and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, with Prime Minister Hon. Mark Brown leading a delegation that celebrated the launch of the MV Tuitui Moana, engaged with significant cultural and economic sites, and held high-level discussions on deepening bilateral ties.
Launch of the MV Tuitui Moana
A centrepiece of the visit was the celebration of the launch of the MV Tuitui Moana, an occasion of great significance for the Cook Islands. The Prime Minister joined Wuzhou officials and partners for the occasion, which reflects the deep maritime heritage of the Cook Islands and underscores the practical dimension of cooperation with Chinese partners. The vessel represents a tangible outcome of the relationship between the two sides in improving connectivity across the Cook Islands.
Cultural and Economic Engagement
The delegation visited a number of sites of cultural and economic significance in Wuzhou, gaining firsthand insight into the region’s heritage, craftsmanship, and commercial strengths. These included:
A visit to SICGEM Co. Ltd., highlighted Wuzhou’s world-renowned gemstone and jewellery industry. The Prime Minister and delegation observed the craftsmanship and global commercial reach of this leading enterprise, exploring potential avenues for trade and industry links with the Cook Islands.
The delegation toured the historic Qilou streetscapes, a treasured cultural landmark that speaks to Wuzhou’s rich history as a trading city and its layered architectural heritage. This offered the Cook Islands delegation an appreciation of the living culture and identity of Wuzhou’s people.
The delegation was also treated to an opera performance featuring art forms and cultural elements integral to Wuzhou’s identity, providing a moving demonstration of the region’s artistic traditions and affirming the importance of cultural exchange as a pillar of the bilateral relationship.
A visit to the Guangxi Wuzhou Tea Factory introduced the delegation to Wuzhou’s celebrated Liu Bao tea heritage. The Prime Minister engaged with the factory’s leadership, discussing the history and cultural significance of this prized product and its potential as a basis for trade and people-to-people connection.
Guangxi Welcoming Banquet and High-Level Discussions
Prime Minister, Hon. Mark Brown and the Cook Islands delegation were hosted to a Guangxi Welcoming Banquet by the Vice Governor of the Guangxi People’s Government. The occasion provided an important platform for open and constructive dialogue on the breadth of the relationship between the Cook Islands and Guangxi, with both sides expressing commitment to strengthening cooperation across a range of areas.
Discussions explored possible areas of future cooperation including trade and investment, cultural and people-to-people exchanges, tourism, and development partnerships. Both sides recognised that the connections being built – between governments, communities, and peoples form the enduring foundation of a strong and mutually beneficial relationship.
Prime Minister Brown described the visit as an important step in the Cook Islands engagement with China at the provincial level and noted the significance of building lasting relationships grounded in respect, shared interests, and genuine partnership.
“Our visit to Wuzhou has been a rich and rewarding experience. From the launch of the MV Tuitui Moana to the warmth and generosity shown by our hosts, this visit has reinforced our ties with China and opened new doors for cooperation that will benefit the people of the Cook Islands. We leave Wuzhou with a deeper understanding of this remarkable region and a renewed commitment to building a relationship founded on partnership, respect, and shared purpose,” said Prime Minister Brown.
The visit to Wuzhou forms part of a broader programme of engagement by the Cook Islands Government to deepen ties with development partners and reflects the Government’s commitment to proactive and people-centred diplomacy.