??

Chinese Ambassador, Quiang Wei (left), greeting Minister of Economic Affairs and Empowerment, Innovation, Trade, Industry and Commerce, Dr. David Estwick during a courtesy call at the Division of Trade, Industry and??Commerce at Reef Road, Fontabelle.??

Issues surrounding deeper bilateral trading relations between Barbados and its Asian counterpart, China, were high on the agenda, when its Ambassador, Quiang Wei, paid a courtesy call on Minister of Economic Affairs and Empowerment, Trade, Industry and Commerce, Dr. David Estwick.

During the meeting at the Division of Trade, Industry and Commerce’s offices at Reef Road, Fontabelle, St. Michael, yesterday, Ambassador Wei praised the Minister for his efforts in handling the current economic crisis.

He also alluded to an upcoming visit to China by Dr. Estwick and other Government officials and expressed the hope that it would "open up other avenues for cooperation between Asia and the Caribbean".

The Chinese Ambassador also spoke about his Government’s plans to send ateacher from China to instruct Barbadians in Mandarin Chinese at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.

In terms of institutional strengthening, the Chinese envoy said China could assist Barbados with the development of its business sector by providing financing through its import/export bank.

He also stated that a delegation from the People’s Republic of China would be visiting Barbados next month to explore trade and business opportunities in various areas.

In turn, the Economic Affairs Minister also urged China to play a greater role in the establishment of a National Science and Technology Centre, as well as the development of the island’s solar industry.

At the end of the discussion, Ambassador Wei presented Dr. Estwick with a book entitled Elements of China.

Barbados and the People’s Republic of China established diplomatic relations on May 30, 1977.?? jwilson@barbados.gov.bb

Pin It on Pinterest