China offers annual training for 1 000 Barbadians

A new programme that will see 1 000 Barbadians travel to China each year for professional training has been announced by the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Barbados, Zheng Bingkai, as the two countries prepare to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2027.

Speaking at a media symposium held on the weekend, the ambassador said the initiative is intended to deepen bilateral ties while building local expertise across a range of sectors.

“Starting this year, we have introduced a programme to send 1 000 Barbadians to China annually for professional training across various sectors,” he said. “Our goal is to build human capacity, transfer knowledge and empower local development.”

The ambassador described the Barbados-China relationship as one built on mutual respect, shared development goals and a common understanding as developing countries.

“A border may exist between us, but there is definitely no barrier because we share a common narrative,” he said. “As we approach five decades of diplomatic ties, we must ask what we have learned from the past and how we can better prepare for the years ahead.”

The diplomat used the occasion to pay tribute to late National Hero Sir Garfield Sobers and called on the region to draw inspiration from his legacy of unity.

Reflecting on decades of cooperation, he pointed to several projects undertaken with Chinese support, including road rehabilitation works in the Scotland District, south coast water treatment initiatives and the introduction of electric buses as part of Barbados’ transition to green energy.

He also referred to agricultural partnerships aimed at strengthening food security and medical outreach programmes that provide healthcare services across the island.

Looking ahead, the ambassador called for continued collaboration in response to rapidly changing global conditions, particularly the growth of artificial intelligence and digital technologies.

“Humanity is standing at another major crossroads,” he said. “Let us uphold the spirit of solidarity to create a brighter, more prosperous future for all our people.”

Meanwhile, President of the Association for Barbados-China Friendship (ABCF), Dr Delisle Worrell, spoke of China’s economic transformation and its influence on Barbados and the wider Caribbean.

“China’s success in managing its society and economy has benefited all the rest of the world, including Barbados,” Worrell said.

He noted that Chinese products and innovations have become commonplace in Barbados, from Crop Over costumes and medical equipment to solar photovoltaic systems and electric vehicles.

Worrell also outlined several initiatives designed to strengthen educational and cultural links between the two countries, particularly among young people. These include free Mandarin language tutoring programmes aimed at helping Barbadians meet the language requirements for Chinese government scholarships.