BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – PRIME MINISTER David Thompson yesterday (Feb. 15) held bilateral talks with Vice-Premier of China’s State Council, Hui Liangyu about issues related to regional integration, climate change and increased Chinese investment.
According to Caribbean Net News, Liangyu lead a 12-man Chinese delegation to Barbados. The team is expected to fulfil a number of engagements, including signing agreements with the Barbados government that would see the island nation receiving technical assistance and concessional financing from the Chinese government.
Thompson noted that the Barbados government had recognised China’s strong response to the global downturn and its interest shown in supporting the regional integration effort.
“We are honoured that China’s outreach at this critical time in world affairs has included Barbados, and we wish to assure you of the keen interest we share in promoting increased Chinese investment in our safe and stable region. CARICOM has redoubled its efforts to realise the full implementation of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy,” he said.
The Prime Minister expressed concern about climate change and its effects on small island developing states (SIDS) such as Barbados.
“There must be swift action by the international community to grant SIDS priority access to funds for mitigation and adaptation. This is an issue on which China’s support would be welcomed,” he stressed.
Thompson also assured Liangyu that the Barbadian government was committed to building a stronger and more active relationship with the Chinese government, as evidenced by the inauguration of the new Barbados Embassy in Beijing later this year.
Barbados and China first established formal relations in 1977. Over the years the two countries have signed a number of agreements, with the Caribbean nation benefiting from technical and financial aid from the Asian nation.
Barbados News