PALIKIR, POHNPEI—The Government of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) held an official handover ceremony for the newly completed FSM National Convention Center on May 16, 2025, a landmark project made possible through the generous support of the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Guangdong Provincial Government.
His Excellency President Wesley W. Simina delivered the keynote address during the ceremony, emphasizing the significance of the convention center as both a physical structure and a powerful symbol of the strong partnership between the FSM and China.
The national convention center was first envisioned under the leadership of former President Peter M. Christian, continuing under former President David W. Panuelo’s administration, and has now concluded under President Simina’s administration.
The ceremony was attended by national leaders, members of Congress, state officials, representatives of the diplomatic corps, and invited guests, including His Excellency Wu Wei, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, and Deputy Director-General He Rusheng from the Guangdong Provincial Government.
Importantly, the traditional leadership of Sokehs—Wasalapalap Nahnpwutak Pukiniap, Nanmwarki of Sokehs, along with the Isonahnken, Nahnalek, and Nahnkeniei of Sokehs—graced the event with their presence, underscoring the cultural and historical importance of the land and the occasion.
President Simina highlighted the growing international presence in the FSM, particularly in Pohnpei, where the new convention center is expected to play a pivotal role in hosting high-level national, regional, and global events. With this enhanced capacity, the FSM is poised to become a regional hub for diplomacy, development coordination, and economic cooperation.
The President also announced that the FSM has successfully secured the hosting rights for the 2027 biennial conference of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, one of the many opportunities the new facility is expected to attract. In this light, he called on national stakeholders and local financial institutions to seize the opportunity and invest in complementary sectors such as hospitality and housing, which are critical to sustaining the country’s growing profile on the international stage.
The Government of the FSM expresses its deepest appreciation to the Government of the People’s Republic of China for its steadfast support, and to the Guangdong Provincial Government for its instrumental role in bringing this project to fruition. The completion of the FSM National Convention Center marks not only the completion of a key infrastructure project, but the opening of a new chapter of progress and partnership for the nation.
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