Foreign Affairs Minister, E.P Chet Greene, who was a member of the official
delegation that visited China last week, has highlighted the importance of the
opening of an embassy for Antigua and Barbuda in Beijing, the Chinese capital.
Speaking at the VC Bird International Airport after returning to St. John’s on
Monday, FA Minister Greene says the opening of the embassy has huge
significance for the government and citizens of the country.
“Having a physical presence in China means that Antigua and Barbuda traders as
well as business between Antigua and Barbuda and China should see a difference
in terms of positive growth. Opening the embassy means that nationals who are
doing business in China through middlemen, now that we have this physical
presence of an embassy in China, they will now be able to do much of their
negotiations and sourcing of materials through the embassy,” he remarked.
The foreign minister is also of the view that the embassy will also serve the
interests of students now studying in China and who from time to time are in need
of consular and other such services, something they didn’t have previously.
Overall, Greene sees the trip as a fillip to strengthening the relations between
Antigua and Barbuda and the People’s Republic of China.
“I’m very pleased as Foreign Minister that at this stage of our relationship, 41
years after, where the relationship has reached a point where both sides are totally
comfortable, totally satisfied and from this trip I see a lot happening for Antigua
and Barbuda. The signing of agreements, all of which have much benefits for the
economy and people of Antigua and Barbuda, adds to my optimism,” he
emphasized.
He noted that the onus is on the Antigua and Barbuda officials to do the follow up
to ensure that the promised benefits do materialize.
Greene pointed to the area of scholarships for Antigua and Barbuda students to
pursue various study programmes as part of the benefits the team was able to
secure during the trip.
Opening of embassy in Beijing: A plus for Antigua and Barbuda
