BARBADOS — Chinese President Xi Jinping committed to give special attention to Barbados’ request for grant funding to redevelop the National Stadium as he held virtual talks with Prime Minister Mia Mottley on Tuesday, July 13.
The hour-long talks also explored key infrastructural projects, including the South Coast Sewage Treatment Plant for which Government is seeking a loan.
The Prime Minister explained to her Chinese counterpart that Barbados’ recovery was dependent on economic growth, which itself required access to concessional funding through facilities such as China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Mottley updated the President on projects in Barbados that are benefiting from the BRI, including the redevelopment of Sam Lord’s Castle and the Scotland District Road Rehabilitation programme. She also requested accelerated approval for the South Coast Sewage Treatment Plant loan, given the urgent need to complete this work.
She also thanked President Xi for China’s agreement to provide grant funding for the redevelopment of the National Stadium but asked that the formal approval be expedited.
For his part, President Xi committed to strengthening the relationship that has seen increased bilateral cooperation, trust and respect over the past 44 years. He also praised Barbados’ “strong commitment” to the One-China principle. See full story in Barbados Today at https://barbadostoday.bb/2021/07/14/china-to-focus-on-loan-to-rebuild-stadium/
CAPTION: Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Chinese President Xi Jinping held virtual talks on Tuesday, July 13.
