Bilateral relations between Dominica and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) have resulted in major benefits for Dominica, so says Hon. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit.
The Prime Minister in reflecting on the past (9) nine years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the both countries said there have been notable achievements of which Dominica is proud.
The country’s leader referred to some of those achievements during a reception to bid farewell to Chinese Ambassador to Dominica, His Excellency Wang Zonglai last Thursday.
The Prime Minister outlined areas of achievement realized during the tenure of Ambassador Wang Zonglai.
“Of course we have the State College, the State House, we have the construction of the apartments in Bath Estate and Elmshall, we had the ground breaking ceremony for the new Newtown Primary School, we had the commencement and the completion of the West Coast road, we have seen the resurgence and expansion of the Chinese Technical Mission.”
The Prime minister added, “We have also seen the signing of several technical cooperation agreements, we have also seen an increase in the number of students studying in China and we have seen the greatest number of Dominicans going to China to participate in various training seminars.
During Ambassador Zonglai’s tenure, Dominica was able to further deepen its relationship with China.” the Prime Minister stated.
The country’s leader thanked Ambassador Zonglai for the many times he advocated on Dominica’s behalf to solicit assistance for the country.
“After the storm which affected the West Coast of Dominica, his Excellency was very forthcoming with his willingness to advocate on our behalf in getting assistance. As a matter of fact, the Government of China has committed to providing new homes to every home that was affected as a result of Storm Ophelia a couple of years ago and also to construct a new bridge in the Layou Park area.”
Meanwhile outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Dominica, His Excellency Wang Zonglai in response, said his country is willing to work with Dominica to make even greater achievements in bilateral cooperation.
“China-Dominica relations are of great significance to both sides,” Zonglai said.
He said, “China stands ready to further collaborate with Dominica to push forward their relations towards greater achievements, realize common development, and bring about more benefits to the two peoples.”
The People’s Republic of China and the Commonwealth of Dominica formally established diplomatic relations in March 2004.