Minister Straughn and Chinese Ambassador discuss areas of cooperation

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital expansion project and the redevelopment of the National Stadium were among the key topics discussed during a courtesy call between Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Ryan Straughn, and China’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Barbados, Zheng Bingkai.

During the meeting, held Thursday at Government Headquarters, Straughn underscored the important contribution of the Chinese medical teams, noting that they have made a significant difference in the delivery of healthcare to Barbadians.

Turning to the National Stadium redevelopment, Minister Straughn informed Ambassador Zheng that construction was progressing, and he expressed optimism that the upgraded facility would encourage more Barbadians to be physically active and involved in athletics through the hosting of major events.

Ambassador Zheng congratulated Barbados on its declining debt-to-GDP ratio, noting that this was commendable given the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the threat to the country’s economy from geopolitical tensions. He also expressed satisfaction with the latest FITCH ratings, which affirmed Barbados’ B+ credit ratings

The two officials also discussed ways to strengthen their long-standing bilateral relationship, the Scotland District Road Rehabilitation Project, pursuing additional investment opportunities, and strategies for attracting more Chinese tourists to the island.

Barbados established diplomatic relations with China on May 30, 1977.

(BGIS)