September 23, 2026
NINGBO, CHINA — An FSM state delegation led by Pohnpei Governor Stevenson A. Joseph visited vehicle manufacturing, port, and tuna-processing operations during two days of activities in Ningbo, China, according to a press release from the Pohnpei Governor’s Office.
The visits on September 22 and 23 were part of the Seminar for Trade Promotion for the Federated States of Micronesia in Zhejiang Province. They followed meetings between Joseph and Zhejiang Vice Governor Xu Wenguang.
On September 22, the delegation toured a Geely vehicle factory, where it was shown production lines using robotic automation alongside human workers to manufacture electric and gasoline-powered vehicles.
According to the Governor’s Office, the delegation was told the facility produces more than 500 vehicles per day. Discussions also included possible avenues for sales cooperation.
The delegation later visited the former Ningbo Port Authority site, also known as the Ningbo Guild Museum, where members were briefed on the history and development of Ningbo as an international port. Joseph was also interviewed by a Ningbo news outlet following the visit.
On September 23, the delegation toured Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, where it observed automated and remotely controlled port operations. According to the release, the delegation was briefed on the use of those systems to improve efficiency and reduce safety risks.
The Governor’s Office said the port handles the highest cargo tonnage in the world.
The delegation also visited Ningbo Today Food, a state-owned tuna-processing company. According to the release, company representatives told the delegation that the facility can process as much as 300 metric tons of tuna per day.
Of particular relevance to the FSM, the delegation was told that between 20,000 and 30,000 metric tons of tuna processed by the company in 2024 were sourced from Micronesia. The release did not further identify the geographic area included under “Micronesia” or specify how much, if any, was sourced from FSM waters.
The company produces frozen tuna loins, canned tuna, fish oil, fish oil capsules, and cat food. The delegation was told that its processing operations can produce two containers of canned tuna per day.
According to the Governor’s Office, most of the company’s tuna is sourced from the central and western Pacific and includes skipjack, bigeye, and yellowfin.
The Governor’s Office said the Ningbo visits provided the delegation with examples of transportation technology, automated port operations, maritime safety systems, and value-added fisheries processing that could be considered in relation to development in Pohnpei.
The trade promotion seminar is continuing in China, with representatives from all four FSM states participating.
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