China donated 20 Sedans to Samoa for Pacific Forum

On April 30th, 2004, China confirmed it would donate 20 sedans to Samoa to assist the Pacific Islands Forum. These new luxury motor cars were donated for the purpose of VIP transport during the Pacific Islands Forum summit. On July 21st, 2004, the 20 cars were handed over to Samoa in the lobby of the Samoan government building. Chinese Ambassador Liu Guanren and Samoan Prime Minister Tuelaepa signed the transfer certificate and delivered warm speeches on behalf of their respective governments. The 20 cars provided by China were 45,000 USD Buick Regal sedans produced by Shanghai General Motors. Thus in total, this project cost 900,000 USD (20 * 45,000 = 900,000 USD). While 20 vehicles were purportedly sent, two cars were damaged and another pair was delayed during shipment. After the forum ended, the Samoan government decided that 14 of the Buick Regals would be used specifically as official Government escort vehicles to carry overseas guests and VIPs.The remaining four cars would be handed over to the Ministry of Police, Prisons and Fire Services for use as escort and security vehicles on special occasions.

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