Dominica, China sign EC$37M economic and technical cooperation agreement

The Commonwealth of Dominica and the People’s Republic of China have signed a new phase of an Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement valued at $37 million Eastern Caribbean dollars, reinforcing more than two decades of partnership between the nations.

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The signing ceremony was held on Wednesday at the Chinese Embassy in Morne Daniel, with Chinese Ambassador His Excellency Chu Maoming describing the accord as “more than just the signing of a document. It is a reaffirmation of trust, a deepening of friendship, and an opening up of new horizons for our partnership.”

Ambassador Chu said the agreement advances five key programs announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum in May, including Solidarity, Development to Civilization, Peace, and People-to-People Connectivity. He added that it reflects the consensus reached by leaders of both countries and underscores joint efforts in a range of sectors.

Over the past 21 years since diplomatic relations were established, the ambassador noted, China and Dominica have cooperated in infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, education, and human resources development, achieving “remarkable results” for the Caribbean nation.

Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Vince Henderson praised the initiative, highlighting the timing of the agreement on the 80th anniversary of the end of Japanese aggression and fascism against China. “While we remember, we also extend the hand of friendship to countries like Dominica,” Henderson said. He expressed gratitude to President Xi for strengthening ties between China, the Caribbean, and Latin America, emphasizing that the agreement would provide concrete support in areas identified over the last two decades.

Dr. Henderson also underscored Dominica’s support for China’s territorial integrity, including its claim over Taiwan, saying the partnership demonstrates the shared values and mutual respect that have guided 21 years of cooperation.

The $37 million cooperation agreement is expected to fund programs that further enhance development and strengthen bilateral relations between Dominica and China.