Minister Baltimore and Chinese Ambassador Jiang Wei Discuss Strengthening Antigua and Barbuda’s Blue Economy

Antigua and Barbuda is exploring opportunities for greater cooperation with China in developing its blue economy, following bilateral discussions between Minister of State Randy Baltimore and Chinese Ambassador Jiang Wei.

Baltimore, who serves in the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, met with the Chinese diplomat to discuss potential areas of collaboration aimed at advancing the country's emerging blue economy sector.

A major focus of the meeting was marine spatial planning, an approach used to organise and manage activities within marine areas while balancing economic development with environmental protection.

The discussions examined how China could contribute to Antigua and Barbuda's efforts to strengthen planning and development within its marine environment.

Both Baltimore and Ambassador Jiang exchanged perspectives on the potential role of Chinese cooperation in supporting the country's work in marine spatial planning.

The engagement formed part of broader discussions on opportunities to develop the blue economy, a sector that encompasses economic activities connected to marine and coastal resources.

As Antigua and Barbuda continues to advance its blue economy initiatives, cooperation with international partners is being explored as one avenue for supporting the sector's development.

The meeting also included Director of the Blue Economy Ann Louise Hill, Senior Operations and Policy Manager Marver Woodley, and Advisor Dr. Adelle Blair.

Technical personnel from the Chinese Embassy also participated in the discussions.

During the engagement, Ambassador Jiang reaffirmed China's continued support for Antigua and Barbuda and emphasised her country's commitment to maintaining strong bilateral relations.

The discussions highlighted the potential for further cooperation between the two countries as Antigua and Barbuda continues its efforts to develop and strengthen its blue economy sector.