Above: Bridgetown (CJ Photo)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

China’s government has “reiterated its intention to provide financial assistance” for a number of projects in Barbados, the Caribbean country said Wednesday.

Chinese Ambassador to Barbados Wang Ke made the pledge during talks with Dr David Eastwick, Barbados’ Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Water Resource Management in Bridgetown this week.

China’s envoy said the country had been working with Barbados to support economic and social development in areas like agriculture and water management, with four projects currently under consideration.

Those projects include the Centre for Food Security at the University of the West Indies, the provision of solar equipment for the Barbados Water Authority and a gymnasium, according to Barbados’ government.

“We think that it is very important for us to develop the technical expertise to be able to move agriculture from just primary agriculture to value-added,” Eastwick said. “So, I am indeed very happy.”

The two countries have had diplomatic relations since 1977.