Above: Antigua PM Gaston Browne in China (Photo: ABG)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Antigua and Barbuda and China have agreed on a $32.6 million assistance package, Antigua Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced.

According to Browne, who is currently on an official visit to China, said he had negotiated the deal following a “frank and detailed discussion” with China Premier Li Keqiang.

The deal includes a grant for various projects, a ten-year loan, the provision of goods focusing on addressing Antigua’s capacity in fighting climate change, financing of the Deep Water Harbour development and several educational and health projects.

“The People’s Republic of China has been generous to Antigua and Barbuda over the years and has provided critical support to the development efforts of the Government,” Browne said. “We are very grateful for this.”

Browne was set to meet with China President Xi Jinping on Wednesday.

The two countries have had diplomatic relations since 1983.