The China-based UnionPay card was launched in Fiji on Monday, Fiji became the first Pacific Island country to have the services apart from Australia and New Zealand.

Fiji's Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama said UnionPay cards will greatly enhance business and tourism between Fiji and China and create greater awareness of Fiji in the Chinese market.

Bainimarama made the comments as he launched the China-based UnionPay credit card in Fiji on Monday.

UnionPay is a Chinese equivalent of Visa and Master Card credit cards and Fiji is the first Pacific Island country to have the services apart from Australia and New Zealand.

The launch of the credit card is another example of Fiji's growing relationship with China and has been hailed by Fiji local business operators on Tuesday as it would grow trade between the two countries.

The launch of China UnionPay products in Fiji enables local merchants and businesses to be aware of this great brand.

With greater acceptance across Fiji, this is a vital call in the development of the potential Chinese Tourism Market.

"Indeed, Fiji will gain publicity from this launch back in China as UnionPay should increase awareness of Fiji as a tourist destination," said Bainimarama.

(Xinhua News Agency September 21, 2010)