On January 20, 2005, Grenada took the bold, yet visionary step to re-establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China. In so doing, it joined the vast majority of countries around the world which have embraced the One China Policy.

One year after, I can say that the relations between our two countries have progressed to the extent that the seeds of our collective efforts have already begun to blossom and in many instances to bear fruits. More than ever before, the Government of Grenada is convinced that it made the correct decision in this particular regard.

For sure, the most vivid example of co-operation is the current reconstruction of our National Stadium, spearheaded by a dedicated group of Chinese professional workers.

The modern facility which promises to be among the best in the region would cost around US$30 million on completion.

Technical co-operation activities are also progressing smoothly in several other areas:

In agriculture, Chinese agricultural experts are hard at work in an effort to provide critical support to local farmers, relative to new farming techniques, planting materials, advice and research.

They are in the process of rehabilitating their Mission Station at the La Sagesse Farm in St. David’s. In the field of education and training, a matter of high priority to the Government of Grenada, the PRC has already provided degree courses and short term training programmers and workshops in several different disciplines to a number of our nationals. In fact, six Grenadians have received full scholarships and are now pursuing their university education in China.

Indeed an important aspect the development of bilateral relations is people-to-people contact. Exchange visits by various high level officials from both countries have been undertaken over the past months, with the objective of promoting mutual understanding of our two cultures and of course to enhance friendship.

We are hopeful that this particular area of our ties would continue to grow with the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in July last year, on the facilitation of group travel by Chinese tourists to Grenada. We certainly welcome this initiative since it would have a positive economic impact for those involved in the tourism sector.

As it relates to other aspects of economic assistance and support, I can indicate with a high degree of satisfaction that the technical discussions on the provision of 2000 low-income houses have started and a Chinese team of experts is expected in the country shortly to finalize the Project. The importance of this Project cannot be over-emphasized and thus its implementation is highly anticipated.

Additionally, Grenada will continue to receive assistance in the form of Grant Aid and technical support as it relates to infrastructure and technological development.

Indeed, the scope of our cooperation activities is broad and the potential for mutually beneficial results are enormous. Exciting times are definitely ahead of us.

China and Grenada have established diplomatic missions in St. George’s and in Beijing, headed in both cases, by Ambassadors, and we are reassured that against the back drop of the friendly disposition and mutual respect displayed by both sides, coupled with the excellent cooperative spirit which now exists, relations between Grenada and the People’s Republic of China will grow from strength to strength.

Despite the many challenges, 2005 was a very productive year in our relations, and I must, on behalf of all Grenadians express profound gratitude to the Government and People of the People’s Republic of China for their selfless support, and to wish them continued economic growth and social progress in 2006.