FSM Information Services
Press Release
FSM National Convention Center Officially Commences Construction
PALIKIR, Pohnpei—On October 18th, 2019 His Excellency David W. Panuelo, President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), joined the Nahnmwarki of the Kingdom of Sokehs, the Governor of the FSM State of Pohnpei, and the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China (China) to the FSM, in a ground-breaking ceremony to officially commence construction of the FSM National Convention Center. The Convention Center is the latest example of friendship and cooperation between the FSM and China, which celebrated 30 years of diplomatic relations on September 11th, 2019.
“The significance of this undertaking is that it is the first-ever project to be generously donated by a provincial government,” President Panuelo began, extending his appreciation to China and the People’s Government of Guangdong Province. “May I ask that we give [the People’s Government of Guangdong Province and the attending workers and officials] a round of applause?”
The FSM National Convention Center is the largest project to be implemented within the soil of the Palikir Capitol Complex, and the Convention Center—when completed prior to the close of 2020—will be able to host approximately 500 individuals in its primary conference hall, with two additional conference rooms capable of serving 150 and 20 individuals respectively. This will allow the FSM National Government, as well as interested non-government organizations and private sector organizations, to host national, regional, and international events at a scale previously difficult to impossible to implement.
The original Memorandum of Understanding for the project was endorsed on November 7th, 2018. “Within just a 12-month period, we are now witnessing a ceremony to break-ground,” President Panuelo said. “With such progress in its implementation…it behooves me to [express] congratulations…to the China Construction Steel Structure Corporation, the Guangdong International Engineering Consulting Corporation, and others.”
The FSM National Convention Center, when completed, will serve as a bridge of friendship between the FSM and China, and will emphasize a design that is respectful to both Micronesian and Chinese architecture. Taking note of the President’s directive to have the FSM become a paragon example of an environmentally friendly country, the FSM National Convention Center will be energy-efficient and make use of natural ventilation. Furthermore, the Convention Center will contain—per President Panuelo’s request—a large climate-controlled room with glass cases for the display of the Nation’s constitution and various cultural artifacts.
President Panuelo extended his heartfelt appreciation to the people and Government of China and Guangdong Province for their generous assistance, and emphasized again that the “One-China Policy remains the bedrock of our FSM-China partnership.”
After the conclusion of his statement proper, the President went on to describe the FSM National Government’s appreciation for China’s support in endorsing the FSM as the host for the new United Nations Multi-Country Office (MCO). The Government believes that the FSM National Convention Center will, among many other roles, assist in the FSM utilizing the new MCO.
The FSM National Government extends its appreciation to the people and Government of China, and the people and Government of Guangdong Province, for their friendship and support.