IN FOCUS
as the establishment of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy and the Caribbean Development Fund . China has also respected the Caribbean’s position on regional and international issues, such as the reform of the United Nations , the fight against climate change, and the promotion of multilateralism,” Ambassador McCook said.
He added that this offers a solid basis for the Caribbean to work with China to realise these commitments and pursue lucrative trade opportunities in tourism, spirits and other sectors. Ambassador McCook noted the Caribbean has a unique and attractive tourism product and a rich and diverse culture that can appeal to Chinese tourists who are increasingly looking for new and exotic destinations. He also mentioned that the Caribbean has a competitive edge in producing high-quality rum and other spirits that can cater to the growing demand of Chinese consumers who are becoming more sophisticated and discerning in their tastes.
Language and Culture
Agricultural Research Park at Dukes, St. Thomas that is being built with the support of a bilateral grant from China to Barbados to advance agricultural research and innovation. “This and many similar development initiatives in collaboration with China across the Caribbean Region place a burden of responsibility on regional institutions, such as The UWI, to help train a cadre of persons equipped with the Mandarin language skills along with competency in their specific fields of expertise to make best use of the development opportunities that are afforded by the growing economic and diplomatic influence of China in the Caribbean,” Professor Landis said. T he Third Confucius Institute Lecture was the latest in a series of lectures that aim to provide a platform for dialogue and discussion on various topics related to China and the Caribbean. The previous lectures were given in 2018 by Dr. DeLisle Worrell, former Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados, on “How China’s economic success contributes to Caribbean prosperity” , and in 2019 by Professor Hongsheng Ren, Associate Dean, School of Politics and Public Administration, CUPL, on “One Belt One Road and the Development of China- Caribbean Relations” . u
Another key aspect of the Caribbean- China partnership is the promotion of language and cultural exchanges that can foster mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of the two sides. This is the main objective of the Confucius Institute at Cave Hill that was established in 2015 as a joint venture between The UWI and the China University of Political Science and Law (CUPL) . The Confucius Institute offers courses in Mandarin, as well as cultural activities, such as calligraphy, tai chi, and Chinese festivals. It facilitates academic exchanges and collaborations between The UWI and CUPL, as well as other Chinese universities and institutions. Professor Clive Landis , Pro Vice- Chancellor and Principal of The UWI, Cave Hill Campus spoke at the lecture and praised the role of the Confucius Institute in enhancing the understanding and cooperation between the Caribbean and China, particularly in the areas of language and culture. “The initiatives of The UWI, Cave Hill Campus, through the Confucius Institute and through our Minor in Chinese , reflect the alignment of the Cave Hill Campus with the Government of Barbados in fostering a productive relationship with the People’s Republic of China, which is playing an expanding role both in the global economy and here in the Caribbean,” Landis said. He also mentioned the work done at the
Mutual Respect and Interest
Ambassador McCook emphasised the importance of maintaining and strengthening the cooperation and partnership with China on the basis of mutual respect and interest, and on the basis of sovereign choices made by Caribbean countries. He said that the Caribbean has a strong foundation to sustain and deepen its relationship with China which has been a reliable and generous partner for the region. “China has provided significant assistance to the Caribbean in various fields, such as infrastructure, health, education, agriculture, energy, and disaster relief. China has also supported the Caribbean’s integration process, such
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