English
To ensure the rapid set-up and swift functioning of the Secretariat, China is committed to providing the Secretariat with a fully equipped, sufficiently sized office space that not only meets current needs but also allows ample room for future expansion, as well as supporting its day-to-day operations. China will also offer a full range of preferential treatments and facilitation measures, designed to ensure an agreeable environment for the Secretariat staff and delegates to work and live in Xiamen.
Support for Performing Duties
Financial Contributions
China will contribute to the voluntary trust fund established by the BBNJ Agreement, to facilitate the participation of representatives of developing States Parties, in particular least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing States, in the meetings of the bodies under the Agreement
China will contribute to the special fund established by the BBNJ Agreement to support capacity-building and other related activities of relevant countries
Visa and Entry Facilitation
Diplomatic passport holders from 160 countries, service passport holders from 139 countries and ordinary passport holders from 77 countries are exempted from visa application
Building on its existing visa privilege policies, China will further provide convenient visa services free of charge for officials of the Secretariat and their family members, as well as representatives of the Parties coming to China for meetings
24-hour fast-track services will be available at international airports to facilitate the entry, exit and domestic transfers of Secretariat officials, their family members and delegates attending meetings in China
The One-Stop Service Center for Overseas Guests at Xiamen Airport offers multilingual services, providing convenient first-stop services covering customs clearance, communication, culture and tourism
Privileges and Immunities
China will conclude a headquarters agreement with the Secretariat of the BBNJ Agreement at the earliest possible date, ensuring that the Secretariat enjoy legal capacity in the territory of China and be granted such privileges and immunities as are necessary for the exercise of its functions; and ensuring the broad and equal participation of all parties in the work of the BBNJ Agreement. These treatments may be applied to:
-The Secretariat of the BBNJ Agreement, its officials and their spouses and minor children
-Members of the subsidiary bodies of the BBNJ Agreement
-The Parties, observers and other accredited personnel participating in meetings related to the BBNJ Agreement
