The People’s Republic of China stands ready to further develop its bilateral relations with Barbados.
That was the view expressed recently when the Chinese Ambassador, Wei Qiang paid a visit on the Minister of Agriculture, Senator Haynesley Benn, at his Ministry’s Graeme Hall headquarters.
The Ambassador told the Minister that China was grateful to Barbados for its long standing support especially of its "One China Policy".
Adding that his country viewed Barbados as one of the most important countries within the Caribbean, the Ambassador pointed out that the two countries also shared a "deep passion for agriculture."
Minister Benn, in turn, thanked the envoy for his country’s past assistance, especially as it related to the agricultural sector and told the Ambassador that now was the time to "step up further cooperation."
Also present was Chief Agriculture Officer, Barton Clarke, who said that Barbados could learn from China, especially in the areas of protective agriculture and fisheries and fish processing, and that "would include expanding the capacity and capability in harvesting fish."
The Chief Agricultural Officer also highlighted a number of areas in which Barbados could partner with China.?? These included: soil conservation in the Scotland District; irrigation systems technology; crop farming and breeding, as well as access to research institutions and commercial seed farms.
Ambassador Qiang also pointed out that he was looking forward to expanding relations, particularly in the areas of tourism and culture, especially with the recent opening of Barbados’ Embassy in Beijing.??tblackman@barbados.gov.bb