China to train 1,000 Barbadians annually under new capacity-building programme

China will provide professional training opportunities for 1,000 Barbadians each year under a new initiative aimed at strengthening human resource development and expanding cooperation between the two countries.

The announcement was made by China's Ambassador to Barbados, Zheng Bingkai, during a media symposium as Barbados and China prepare to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.

Ambassador Zheng said the programme, which begins this year, is designed to equip Barbadians with new skills and technical knowledge in a wide range of professional fields.

He explained that the initiative reflects China's commitment to supporting Barbados' development by investing in education, knowledge sharing and workforce capacity.

The ambassador described the relationship between the two countries as one founded on mutual respect, friendship and shared aspirations for development. He noted that although China and Barbados are geographically distant, they have built strong ties through decades of cooperation.

As the two nations approach five decades of diplomatic relations, Zheng said it is important to reflect on past achievements while identifying new opportunities for future collaboration.

He also paid tribute to Barbados' National Hero, Sir Garfield Sobers, describing him as a symbol of unity and encouraging Caribbean countries to embrace that spirit of cooperation.

Highlighting existing areas of collaboration, the ambassador pointed to China's support for infrastructure projects, including road rehabilitation in the Scotland District, improvements to water treatment systems on the island's south coast and the introduction of electric buses to advance Barbados' clean energy agenda.

He also cited ongoing cooperation in agriculture to enhance food security, as well as medical outreach programmes that continue to provide healthcare services to communities across the island.

Looking ahead, Ambassador Zheng called for deeper collaboration in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence and digital technology, saying countries must work together to address the opportunities and challenges created by rapid technological change.

Also addressing the symposium, President of the Association for Barbados-China Friendship, Dr. Delisle Worrell, praised China's economic development and said its progress has generated benefits for Barbados and the wider Caribbean.

He noted that Chinese-made products and technology are now widely used in Barbados, including renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, medical equipment and materials used during the island's annual Crop Over festival.

Dr. Worrell also highlighted efforts to strengthen educational and cultural exchanges, including free Mandarin language classes that help Barbadians qualify for Chinese Government scholarship programmes.