Trinidad Foreign Minister Dr Surujrattan Rambachan welcomes Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan to the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s, Trinidad (Photo: TGISL)
By the Caribbean Journal staff
The Chinese government announced six major measures aimed at enhanced cooperation between China and the Caribbean region at the China-Caribbean Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum in Port of Spain this week.
The measures, which were announced by Vice Premier Wang Qishan, are all intended to be implemented within the next three years:
Financial and Investment Cooperation
This area is headlined by a $1 billion soft loan announced by the Chinese government last week, aimed at encouraging exchanges between commercial banks in China and the Caribbean. China Development Bank will also set up a separate commercial loan of $1 billion for infrastructure construction. In addition, it will contribute $1 million to the CARICOM Development Fund.
Training and Education
More than 2,500 trainees and 30 postgraduates in Caribbean countries will receive scholarships thanks to a Chinese grant. The country will also provide a support network in monitoring and warning about tsunamis and earthquakes.
New Energy and the Environment
China has already contributed to energy projects in the Caribbean — most recently a power plant in Antigua — and intends to work with the region on green energy, especially solar projects.
Culture, Education and Public Health
China will build a series of sister schools in Caribbean countries that include support in Chinese-language instruction, along with continued scholarships for Caribbean students. The plan also includes agreements on reciprocal recognition of academic degrees.
Trade and Tourism
Looking to help develop Caribbean exports, China’s plan includes encouraging Caribbean companies to participate in exhibitions to promote their products in China, along with improving cooperation on inspection and quarantine of imports and exports. China is also looking to improve tourism cooperation between the two parties.
Agriculture and Fisheries
China has been sending agricultural experts to the region for some time, and China’s Ministry of Agriculture has signed a Joint Proposal for Agricultural and Fishery Cooperation with the Caribbean. The two groups will establish a working group for agricultural and fishery cooperation as well.
Information was included from China’s Ministry of Commerce.