China and Barbados have pledged to deepen their collaboration on climate action and sustainable development, with a focus on zero-carbon solutions, as officials from both nations convened in Rockley for a networking session.
The event, hosted by the Association of Barbados-China Friendship (ABCF) in collaboration with the Yantai Zero-Carbon Island Cooperation on Monday at the Accra Beach Hotel and Spa, brought together Barbadians and a visiting delegation from Yantai City in China’s Shandong province.
The primary aim of the session was to foster collaboration in clean energy, vocational training, and business development between the two nations.
David Bulbulia, president of the ABCF, highlighted the significance of the occasion: “The important thing to do is to make contact with your Chinese colleague. They make contact with you and see from here what activities and initiatives can go forward.”
Hu Yibing, director of the Yantai Zero-Carbon Island Development Centre, said the purpose of the visit is “to work with friends from all walks of life in Barbados to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, promote green and low-carbon cooperation, and contribute to the sustainable development of the island”.
Hu noted that representatives from his organisation would promote cooperation with Barbados in areas such as new power systems, water resource utilisation, low-carbon construction, marine science and technology, fishery training, and vocational education.
He also revealed plans for establishing the world’s first international organisation dedicated to zero-carbon islands.
“There is an urgent need to establish an international organisation dedicated to the sustainable development of islands,” he said.
In 2024, Yantai spearheaded efforts to create the International Zero Carbon Island Cooperation Organisation. The initiative aims to facilitate international policy dialogue and cooperation while developing solutions tailored to island-specific climate challenges.
Its membership includes island nations, social groups, educational institutions, research bodies, financial organisations, and climatefocused companies. The headquarters are based in Yantai.
Hu emphasised potential benefits such as enhanced disaster resilience, adoption of renewable energy sources, growth in lowcarbon industries, and mechanisms for talent development and expert exchange.
Huang Xinhua, chargé d’affaires at the Chinese Embassy in Barbados, expressed his enthusiasm for attending the conference.
He recalled Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s official visit to China in June 2023, when both nations’ leaders reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable development and tackling global challenges like climate change.
Huang voiced concerns about recent US-imposed reciprocal tariffs that he said undermine global interests.
“The fact is that trade wars and tariff wars have no winners,” he remarked. “No matter how the international landscape changes… we work to implement consensus reached by our leaders and contribute to the sustainable development of the island.”
Sandra Payne, deputy chief executive officer of Invest Barbados, underscored the historical ties between China and Barbados during her remarks. “It is through exchanges such as this that the partnership between our people, our firms, our nations will continue to grow and develop.”
She encouraged attendees to view Barbados as a dependable partner. “Barbados is committed to providing a warm and welcoming environment for foreign direct investment and for other initiatives that advance our nation.”
“As the national investment promotion agency,” Payne added, “we are particularly eager to engage with you and learn more about your proposals.”
Payne concluded by expressing optimism about future collaborations. “Remember, Barbados is a place where your idea, your project, your business can flourish. Let this visit mark the beginning of a partnership that can help both our nations build something even greater.”
“Let us engage, let us explore, and let us grow together,” she said.
(LG)
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