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Volume No. 1 Issue No. 79 - Friday March 2, 2006 |
Dominica marks second annivesary of diplomatic relations with China
 Sean Douglas
Thursday, March 23, 2006 marked two years since the Commonwealth of Dominica established diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level with the People�s Republic of China.
It was on that historic day in Beijing in 2004 that Dominica aligned itself with the majority of progressive nations of the world in recognizing United Nations Resolution 2758 of 1971 which declared that the Government of the People�s Republic of China is the only lawful representative of China and the only legitimate representative of China at the United Nations.
 In the last two years, bilateral relations between China and Dominica have grown from strength to strength. Both sides have cooperated in many areas including agriculture, education, human resource development, tourism and sports.
Almost every segment of the Dominican population has benefited from the Chinese presence here. These include farmers, teachers, Dominica State College, students, police officers, care institutions, earthquake victims, retired persons, homeless persons, persons living with HIV/AIDS, media workers, politicians and sports enthusiasts.
There have been numerous exchanges at all levels, involving both public and private sector employees. Members of the three main political parties in Dominica have visited China. Members of the International Department of the Communist Party of China have also visited Dominica.
The Chinese Government funded the first phase of the Dominica Grammar School at a cost of $2.3 million. The Chinese have also funded numerous community based projects in many constituencies including Mahaut, Salybia, Paix Bouche, Portsmouth and Castle Bruce.
Since that historic day two years ago, Dominica has received up to US$10 million in direct cash support from China.
In the area of multilateral relations, Dominica supported China�s application for permanent observer status to the Organization of American States (OAS). Dominica has also supported Chinese candidates for seats on various United Nations bodies.
China continues to support the cause of Dominica and other developing countries for preferential and deferential treatment within the World Trade Organization in the Group of 77 Developing Countries and China.
Of all China�s accomplishments in Dominica over the last 24 months, it is the construction of the National Sports Stadium at Windsor Park that has captured the imagination of Dominicans.
Upon completion, the National Sports Stadium will be a lasting monument and permanent reminder of the friendship between the people of Commonwealth of Dominica and the people of the People�s Republic of China.
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