The President and Convenor of a Pacific China Friendship Association visited Tonga on August 27, ahead of its second conference in Hainan in November this year.

Patron of the Pacific China Friendship, HRH Princess Pilolevu welcomed the President Dr Hiria Ottino and Convenor, Mr Anthony Leong.

Dr Ottino said the association provides a platform for Pacific nations to interact as a single bloc in developing greater understanding in people to people friendship and cooperation with China, in areas such as education, culture and trade.

PCFA also signed a Funding Agreement with the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries for USD$75,000, to help advance the aims of PCFA for its 13 Member Countries.

Tongans, 'Ilisapesi Koloi, 'Ilaisaane Afemui and Paula Voni, who have been awarded scholarships to Shanghai Ocean University in the upcoming fall semester, met the officials.

Mr Leong said their visit to Tonga was fruitful for the PCFA Executive’s planning and preparations for the conference for its member countries.

Since its establishment, PCFA has awarded over 30 fully funded Shanghai Ocean University scholarships to member countries; explored trade opportunities between Pacific nations and China, developed strategic partnerships with like organizations in the Pacific, among others.

The second Pacific China Friendship Association meeting will be held on November 27 in Hainan, China.