Government and China are close to finalising arrangements for the construction of the new Sandals Beach Resort at Almond, St. Peter.
This disclosure came today from Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Christopher Sinckler, during a courtesy call with China???s new Ambassador to Barbados, Wang Ke, at his office at Government Headquarters.
Mr. Sinckler told the envoy: ???We are a lot closer to completing the details and while there is still a lot of work to be done, in terms of construction of the facility, we have an understanding of how to move forward.???
Ambassador Wang described it as a ???flagship project??? which China was keen to see started, since it shows her country???s support to Barbados. She added that a small delegation would be coming from China soon to finalise plans for the hotel.
The Minister noted that officials here had already agreed on the terms and a Cabinet paper was being prepared. He stressed that the hotel would add tremendous value to the tourism product.
He also disclosed that there were some other major projects on which Government wanted to work with the Chinese.
Ambassador Wang said Barbados and China were traditional friends who supported each other throughout the 36-year-old relationship. She stated that China was pursuing, not only its interest, but that of developing countries to ensure there was a balance.
She pointed out that her country had supported Barbados in a number of areas, including education and culture, and promised that more resources would be made available.
sharon.austingill-moore@barbados.gov.bb