Areas of co-operation celebrated

THE strides made by the People’s Republic of China over the past 67 years and its diplomatic ties with Barbados over the past 39 years were celebrated on Monday night at the Accra Beach Hotel.

 

Under the distinguished patronage of Governor General Sir Elliott Belgrave and his wife, Loretta Lady Belgrave; Chief Justice Sir Marston Gibson; Acting Prime Minister Richard Sealy, as well as members of the diplomatic corps and other specially invited guests attended a reception which was held to celebrate the 67th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the areas of co-operation between the two countries.

 

Chinese Ambassador Wang Ke noted that in the past 67 years, especially in the past 38 years since China adopted its Reform and Opening-Up Policy, great achievements and dramatic changes have taken place. “Now China ranks in the world the second largest economy, the biggest trader of goods and the third largest direct overseas investor, meanwhile per capita GDP reaching US$8 000.”

 

Additionally, she noted that in the past year, the relations of friendly co-operation between China and Barbados also made new developments and gratifying breakthroughs. She reported that the two countries maintained frequent bilateral contacts and exchanges and kept effective communication and co-ordination on global and regional issues of our mutual concern.

 

The ambassador told specially invited guests that cultural exchanges between our two countries reached new heights this year, which coincided with 2016 China-Latin America and Caribbean Year of Cultural Exchange.

 

She also reminded that 2017 will witness the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Barbados.

 

“Our bilateral relations have grown mature over 40 years healthy and stable development. Looking into 2017, I expect many more accomplishments in our bilateral co-oper-ation. I hope that Sam Lord’s Castle hotel project will carry on smoothly and Sir Garfield Sobers Gymnasium project be completed on time so as to support Barbados’ social and economic development and bring more benefit to the local people.”

 

Additionally, she expressed hope that China and Barbados could conclude and sign the agreement on mutual visa exemptions for regular passport holders, so as to facilitate travels between the two countries and promote mutual economic and tourism exchanges.

 

She told those in attendance that it is also hoped that the first group of Chinese doctors and nurses will work at Queen Elizabeth Hospital very soon so as to offer medical services to local patients.

 

As it relates to the Cave Hill Campus and the UWI China Institute of Information Technology, she anticipates that they will continue to succeed in their teaching, “not only to get more Barbadian people exposed to Chinese language and culture, but also to build a much broader platform of education and career for young Barbadians”. (JH)