Ways that Barbados and China could collaborate on health matters were discussed today, when the Chinese Ambassador to this country, Wei Qiang, called on Minister of Health, Donville Inniss.
During talks at the Ministry’s Culloden Road office, Mr. Inniss noted that he was aware of China’s successes in the area of health care, and the similarities between its health sector and Barbados’.?? He suggested that representatives from both countries should meet on another occasion to identify areas of possible cooperation.
The Chinese envoy agreed that the two countries would benefit from some cooperation in health.?? He congratulated Barbados on its achievement of being named among the top countries in the United Nations Human Development Index, noting that this country’s advances in the health sector would have contributed greatly to that rating.??
He extended an invitation to local health officials to attend the China Caribbean Trade and Economic Forum, which is scheduled to be held later this year in Trinidad.
There was also some discussion on expanding the relationship between the two countries and the ways that they could support each other in regional and international fora.
Barbados and the People’s Republic of China formally established diplomatic relations in 1977.?? Earlier this year, on January 4, this country opened an Embassy in Beijing and appointed former Prime Minister, Sir Lloyd Erskine Sandiford, as its first Ambassador.
Barbados recognises The People’s Republic of China as the sole representative of that nation, in keeping with its one China policy.????kmoore@barbados.gov.bb