Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has hailed China as a “true friend,” acknowledging its pivotal role in aiding Dominica’s recovery from natural disasters and enhancing bilateral cooperation in key sectors. During his official visit to China from March 23 to 29, Skerrit met with Chinese leaders to discuss collaboration within the Belt and Road Initiative, focusing on agriculture, healthcare, and climate resilience.
In an exclusive interview with CMG’s Wang Guan for the program “Leaders Talk”, Skerrit reflected on the devastating impact of Hurricane Maria in 2017, which decimated Dominica’s agricultural sector and infrastructure. “China stepped in and helped turn around our economy for the better,” he said, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in rebuilding efforts.
As Dominica positions itself as an “ecotourism” destination, with a growing emphasis on sustainable development, the prime minister underscored the shared commitment with China to tackle climate change. He described climate change as “a real existential threat” to small island nations like Dominica and praised China’s initiatives in promoting renewable energy and environmental protection.
“China’s support has been instrumental in building our resilience against climate-related challenges,” Skerrit stated. He expressed admiration for Chinese President Xi Jinping’s vision, noting that China’s assistance extends beyond economic aid to encompass broader developmental goals.
The discussions during Skerrit’s visit also explored ways to enhance cooperation in healthcare, a sector that has gained heightened importance in the wake of global health concerns. The prime minister highlighted opportunities for knowledge exchange and capacity building between Dominica and China.
Dominica, with a population of less than 100,000, continues to rely on agriculture while expanding its tourism industry. The strengthening ties with China are seen as a strategic move to bolster economic growth and sustainability.
“China has demonstrated genuine solidarity with Dominica and the Caribbean region,” Skerrit concluded. “Our partnership is a testament to what can be achieved through mutual respect and shared objectives.”
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
