In a significant stride towards sustainable development, the Government of Barbados has inked an agreement with the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) to acquire electric buses. This initiative, announced on Monday at the Ministry’s Office in St. Michael, underscores Barbados’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and dependency on fossil fuels.
The agreement, facilitated by Barbados’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kerrie Symmonds, and CIDCA’s Chairman Luo Zhaohui, follows Barbados’s request for the donation of electric buses from China. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance the island’s public transportation system while addressing global environmental concerns.
CIDCA, established in 2018, plays a pivotal role in China’s foreign aid, focusing on strategic guidelines and implementing major programs. This collaboration not only marks a significant step in Barbados’s environmental efforts but also reflects the deepening diplomatic relations between Barbados and China, established since May 30, 1977.
During the discussions, Symmonds and Zhaohui explored several topics, including the Bridgetown Initiative and the Belt and Road Initiative, aiming to foster deeper engagement in areas such as agriculture, food security, education, and cultural exchanges. This partnership is expected to contribute significantly to Barbados’s sustainable development goals and enhance its public transportation infrastructure with a modern, clean energy fleet.
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