China grants 1.3 million RMB to Micronesia for a 2011 biogas training project in Chengdu, China (Linked to #40008, ETCA #73613)

On 26 December 2008, the Chinese Ambassador and the Micronesian Minister of Foreign Affairs signed an economic and technical cooperation agreement (ETCA #73613) granting an unspecified amount to the Government of Micronesia. On 10 June 2011, the same government officials signed an exchange of letters allocating 1.3 million RMB of these ETCA funds to sponsor 25 Micronesian technicians attend a biogas technology training course (or 密克罗尼西亚沼气技术培训班) in Chengdu, China. According Congressional Resolution No. 17-49, the Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia formally certified this fund allocation on 14 September 2011. On 24 October 2011, officials and trainees attended the biogas technology training course opening ceremony led by Chengdu's Ministry of Commerce. The course lasted for 20 days. The purpose of this project was to equip Micronesian technicians with the skills and knowledge required to maintain biogas technology back home. Biogas is a methane-rich flammable gas that results from the decomposition of organic waste material such as pig manure. It can be directly used for cooking, heating and lighting. This is a sustainable, cheap alternative to relying on expensive oil imports for the island nation. China previously introduced biogas technology to the Pacific Island nation back in 2009 (#40008).

Number of official sources

5

Number of total sources

5