China’s Ambassador to The Bahamas, Her Excellency Dai Qingli paid a courtesy call on Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, Hon. Michael Pintard on Monday, April 19th.

During the meeting, Ambassador Qingli expressed the view that there is broad potential for cooperation between China and The Bahamas on agricultural matters, pointing out the recent visits and meetings between the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources and a number of groups from several provinces in China, focusing on the cultivation of mushrooms, and other agricultural initiatives and aquaculture.

She pointed out that China’s large population and its limited supply of arable land forced China to increase its agricultural knowledge base and as a result they have emerged as an agriculture powerhouse globally and they are willing to share their knowledge and expertise with countries like The Bahamas.

Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources Michael Pintard thanked Ambassador Qingli for China’s interest in collaborating with the Bahamas however he also urged that we move beyond the point of general discussions to technical team meetings that can lead to tangible actions that may catalyze the agriculture, aquaculture and handicraft sector. Both sides agreed that concrete actions based on Government priorities is going to drive the next steps.

The discussion covered the range of approaches the assistance can take, ranging from demonstration farms for commercial hydroponic farming, greenhouse farms, livestock farming, aquaculture, light manufacturing and food processing. According to Ambassador Qingli, “China is open minded about the potential for cooperation” on a broad range of matters to help The Bahamas reach its stated goal of improved food security and sovereignty. Minister Pintard also expressed optimism about working on tangible assistance, including education and training opportunities for technical staff and the sourcing of equipment that will aid in Bahamian manufacturing and handicraft efforts.

Both sides noted the shared respect both countries shared for each other and noted the potential that such collaboration hold for both nations. Gifts were exchanged as a symbol of this cooperation.