Barbadians To Benefit From New Chinese Human Resources Training Programme

Through its growing partnership with China, Barbados has received assistance designed to help transform its economy and society, enabling it to become more viable in a rapidly changing world.

Minister of Technological and Vocational Training, Sandra Husbands, recently expressed this view at a cocktail reception for the Promotion of the China-Aid Human Resources Programme, held at the official residence of the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Barbados.

“It is the type of gift that makes the difference in the lives of young people, which then makes a difference in our enterprises, and therefore helps to strengthen the fabric of our country, the fabric of our society, and gives us the confidence to serve and go forth on a global stage,” she told her audience.

Ms. Husbands said many of the areas of study chosen by Barbadians are in practical skills-based programmes, which they can use on their return to Barbados.

“The important thing is not just to absorb, but to take what you have learned and begin to transform what is going on around you. When you are a small island developing state, and you have limited numbers, you need every single Barbadian to be effective and to be competent in managing their lives and contributing to the development of the nation.

“What China has done is stepped up as a partner, recognising that small nations like ours need this assistance and the support, in order to transition and transform those economies,” the Minister shared.

Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Barbados, Zheng Bingkai, stated that China’s human resources development initiatives have empowered Barbadian professionals and young people with invaluable opportunities to study, exchange insights and enhance their capability.

“In China, these efforts have laid a robust foundation for mutual understanding and [an] enduring friendship between our two countries. The participants gathered here today are not merely witnesses or beneficiaries of this cooperation, you are envoys of our shared vision.

“Your time in China has not only elevated your professional expertise, but also granted you first time exposure to our nation’s progress, while forging the bonds which last forever,” he stated.

As Barbados and China prepare to celebrate their 50TH anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2027, Ambassador Zheng disclosed that China stands ready to celebrate this historic milestone and collaborate with Barbados, to intensify practical cooperation, particularly in the human resource development area, and to elevate the relationship.

The Ambassador also revealed that the Government of China, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, will provide opportunities for 1,000 Barbadian trainees to travel to China annually, and will also formally establish the China-Barbados Training Programme Alumni Association. 

Director General in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Donna Forde, commended the Chinese Ambassador and members of the Chinese Embassy for enabling Barbadians with the opportunity to benefit from Chinese knowledge and expertise, to share experiences, and build partnerships.

“Thank you Ambassador for giving the opportunities to Barbadians from all experiences to help us to deepen the partnership of this strong relationship between China and Barbados.

“We thank you for helping us to fulfill our mandate to build excellence and also to create well-rounded Barbadians…. I’m happy that you, Ambassador, and our colleagues at the Embassy of Barbados in China will continue to work to strengthen our partnership, and to give Barbadians the opportunity to be exposed to Chinese know how in a multiplicity of areas,” Ms. Forde added.            

Those attending the event included government officials, past participants of China’s development programmes and staff of the Chinese Embassy. (PR/GIS)