Chinese Vice Premier Hu Chunhua landed at Faleolo International Airport a short time ago for his first official visit to Samoa.

The Vice Premier's arrived with a large delegation and an 11 person crew aboard a 737-700 shortly before 12.30.

He will be attending the 3rd China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Development and Cooperatioon Forum held at the T.A.T.T.E. Conference Centre this Sunday and Monday.

Only one of four Chinese Vice Premiers, Hu will attend alongside leaders of Pacific Islands and Australia's Head of the Office of the Pacific Ewen McDonald.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade was on the tarmac to greet the Vice Premier, as well Minister of Women Community and Social Development, Tuitama Dr. Talalelei Tuitama and Miss Samoa Fonoifafo McFarland-Seumanu, who adorned him with an ulafala (necklace). 

Mr. Hu will have a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi this evening, followed by a welcome ava ceremony and dinner hosted by Samoa.

The Forum takes place on Monday, where members of the agreement signed in 2006 will speak together and sign the China-Pacific Island Countries Program of Action on Economic Development and Cooperation.

The agreement is under the Pacific Islands Forum.