Barbados to Receive Electric Buses from China

Agreement Signed for Electric Bus Donation

The Government of Barbados has signed an agreement with the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) to purchase or accept donated electric buses from China. The agreement was signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kerrie Symmonds, and CIDCA’s Chairman Luo Zhaohui at the Ministry’s Office in St. Michael.

Effort to Reduce Reliance on Fossil Fuels

The agreement is part of the Government of Barbados’ effort to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and reduce its carbon footprint. The electric buses will help to keep the air clean in the Windward island.

Specifications Submitted and Assessment Underway

The specifications for the electric buses have been submitted, and the Chinese authorities are currently assessing the request. The Exchange of Notes is a further step in the process of acquiring approval for the Barbados request.

About CIDCA

CIDCA was established in March 2018 to formulate strategic guidelines, plans, and policies for foreign aid; coordinate and offer advice on major foreign aid issues; advance the country’s reforms in matters involving foreign aid; and identify major programs and supervise and evaluate their implementation.

Bilateral Meeting

During the bilateral meeting, Minister Symmonds and Chairman Zhaohui acknowledged the longstanding, cooperative, friendly diplomatic relations between the two countries and expressed a desire for deepening their levels of engagement. They also conversed widely on several subject areas, including the Bridgetown Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, climate crisis, the Belt and Road Initiative, the Hope Agricultural Training Institute, The UWI Centre for Food Security and Entrepreneurship, educational scholarships, increasing people-to-people contact, and cultural exchanges.

Attendees

Also present for the signing and bilateral meeting were Permanent Secretary, Joy-Ann Skinner; Director General of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Donna Forde; Senior Foreign Service Officer, Trecia King; Foreign Service Officer II, Asha Pitt; China’s Ambassador to Barbados, Yan Xiusheng; and a delegation from the CIDCA.

Conclusion

The agreement between the Government of Barbados and the CIDCA is a significant step towards reducing the island’s reliance on fossil fuels and promoting sustainable development. The electric buses will help to reduce air pollution and contribute to a cleaner environment.

FAQs

Q: What is the purpose of the agreement?
A: The agreement is to purchase or accept donated electric buses from China to reduce the island’s reliance on fossil fuels and reduce its carbon footprint.

Q: Who signed the agreement?
A: Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kerrie Symmonds, and CIDCA’s Chairman Luo Zhaohui signed the agreement.

Q: What is CIDCA?
A: CIDCA is the China International Development Cooperation Agency, established in March 2018 to formulate strategic guidelines, plans, and policies for foreign aid.

Q: What are the benefits of the electric buses?
A: The electric buses will help to reduce air pollution and contribute to a cleaner environment.