Barbados and China have reaffirmed their shared commitment to climate action and sustainable development, with a renewed focus on zero-carbon initiatives. This came as officials from both countries gathered in Rockley for a networking session aimed at deepening cooperation on clean energy and low-carbon innovation.
The event, held at the Accra Beach Hotel and Spa, was organised by the Association of Barbados-China Friendship (ABCF) in partnership with the Yantai Zero-Carbon Island Cooperation. The session brought together local stakeholders and a visiting delegation from Yantai City, located in China’s Shandong province.
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The primary objective was to strengthen collaboration in clean energy, vocational education, marine science, and green business development.
David Bulbulia, president of the ABCF, stressed the importance of building direct connections.
“The key is to connect with your Chinese counterpart and explore opportunities to move initiatives forward,” he said.
Hu Yibing, director of the Yantai Zero-Carbon Island Development Centre, outlined the purpose of the delegation’s visit:
“We’re here to work with friends across Barbados to advance the consensus between our two nations, foster green cooperation, and support the island’s sustainable development,” he said.
Hu detailed potential areas of partnership, including water resource management, renewable energy, low-carbon construction, fishery training, and vocational programmes. He also shared plans to establish the world’s first international organisation focused on zero-carbon island development — a move designed to unite island nations and institutions to tackle climate challenges collectively.
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This organisation, the International Zero Carbon Island Cooperation Organisation, launched in 2024 and is headquartered in Yantai. Its mission is to drive international collaboration, support innovation, and provide tailored solutions for island-specific environmental issues. Members include island nations, research institutions, financial organisations, and climate-focused enterprises.
Hu noted the initiative’s potential to strengthen disaster resilience, grow low-carbon industries, and create frameworks for talent exchange and expert collaboration.
Chinese Embassy chargé d’affaires, Huang Xinhua, also attended the session and praised the momentum between the two nations. Recalling Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s official visit to China in 2023, Huang noted that both governments had committed to advancing sustainable development.
Addressing recent global trade tensions, he warned:
“Trade wars and tariff wars benefit no one. Despite global uncertainties, China remains committed to our agreements and to the sustainable future of Barbados.”
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Representing Invest Barbados, Deputy CEO Sandra Payne reflected on the enduring relationship between the two countries.
“Partnerships grow through exchanges like these,” she said, adding that Barbados welcomes foreign investment and international collaboration.
“Barbados is a place where your ideas, your projects, your businesses can thrive,” she told the delegates. “Let this visit be the beginning of something greater. Let us engage, explore, and grow together.”
As Barbados and China continue to align on climate goals, the session marked a pivotal step toward transforming shared values into impactful zero-carbon solutions for a more sustainable future.
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