DOMINICA AND CHINA SEEKING TO DEEPEN AREAS OF COOPERATION

Roseau, Dominica – December 4, 2007…… The Commonwealth of Dominica is seeking to deepen and broaden areas of cooperation with the People’s Republic of China as a fifteen member delegation from Guangdong Province in China continues a four-day visit to Dominica. The delegation which is led by Director General of Foreign Affairs Office of Guangdong Province, Mr. Fu Lang,  arrived on island on Sunday.

 

The purpose of the visit is three-fold:

 

· Promote the bilateral economic and trade relationship between Dominica and China as a follow-up to the visit by Prime Minister, Honourable Roosevelt Skerrit in April, 2007;

· Gain better knowledge and understanding  of Dominica’s economic, trade, cultural and tourism development;

· Source possibilities for cooperation in the areas of trade, culture, and tourism between Dominica and China.

The highlight of the visit was the first ever Dominica-China Business Dialogue which took place at the Fort Young Hotel on Monday evening. The event attracted representatives from Dominica’s business sector, particularly local manufacturers.

Prime Minister, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, Trade Minister, Senator the Hon. Dr. Colin McIntrye and Minister for Economic Development and Urban Renewal, Hon. Julius Timothy delivered remarks at the historic event.

 

On Monday morning the Chinese delegation made site visits to a number of Dominica’s manufacturing entities including: PW Bellot & Company Ltd; Dominica Brewery and Beverages Ltd; Josephine Gabriel and Company Limited; JAS Garraway & Company  Ltd; PH Williams and Company Ltd; Harris Paints Dominica Ltd and Benjo’s  Seamoss and Agro-Processing Company Ltd.

 

On Tuesday morning the delegation from Guangdong Province visited the restored Fort Shirley and Cabrits Garrison, Cabrits National Park in Portsmouth. Visits were also made to the factory of Dominica Coconut Products in Belfast and Shillingford Estates Limited at Macouchrie.

 

Later today the delegation will visit the Chinese-funded Windsor Park Sports Stadium, the scenic village of Scotts Head and a Chinese owned company in Fond Cole.

Later this evening the Government of Dominica will host a reception in honour of the visiting delegation.

 

On Wednesday, December 5, 2007, the delegation will visit Jungle Bay Resort and Spa in Point Mulatre, a resort that is now attracting acclaim internationally. The Chinese guests will also be treated to the magnificent Emerald Pool as well as a tour of the Kalinago Barana Aute in the Carib Territory.

 

The visit by the Chinese delegation is being coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Consumer Affairs and Diaspora Affairs.  (Ends)