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Overview

China donated 20 Sedans to Samoa for Pacific Forum

Commitments (Constant USD, 2023)$1,893,363
Commitment Year•2004Country of Activity•SamoaSector•Government And Civil SocietyFlow Type•Grant

Status

Project lifecycle

Completion

Pipeline: PledgePipeline: CommitmentImplementationCompletion

Timeline

Key dates

Commitment date
Apr 30, 2004
Start (actual)
Jul 21, 2004
End (actual)
Jul 21, 2004

Stakeholders

Organizations involved in projects and activities supported by financial and in-kind transfers from Chinese government and state-owned entities

Funding agencies

Government Agencies

  • Unspecified Chinese Government Institution

Implementing agencies

Government Agencies

  • Government of Samoa

Loan description

China donated 20 Sedans to Samoa for Pacific Forum

Narrative

Full Description

Project narrative

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.