14-03-2024
On June 2, the BPAFFC and Beijing NGO received a 25-person delegation who came to attend the Seminar on Protocol and Etiquette for Officials from Dominica. The officials work with the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, Climate Resilience and Social Security, the Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernization, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services, the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training and National Excellence, and some educational institutions. The seminar is a foreign aid program organized by Beijing International Chinese Collage, a member of Beijing NGO. It is the seventh diplomacy and protocol class for developing countries received by the BPAFFC and Beijing NGO.
Zhang Qian, Executive Vice President of the BPAFFC and Beijing NGO Network for International Exchanges, extended a warm welcome to the guests, answered their questions about the basic conditions of China and Beijing, traditional Chinese culture, etc., and introduced the accomplishments Beijing has achieved over the years. Noting the limited exchanges with relevant organizations in Dominica as the two countries are geographically far apart, she hoped that the two sides could take this opportunity to forge closer ties and promote inclusive exchanges and mutual learning. “We are willing to continuously provide concrete support for Dominica in certain areas to help improve people’s livelihoods and advance social progress. We hope that you could learn more about China’s development path, tell the stories of a real China in transition in your own language after returning to Dominica, and continue to follow and support the friendly exchanges and practical cooperation between the two countries,” she said.
Kernillia, head of internal affairs of the Office of the Prime Minister of Dominica, said that after a week-long stay in Beijing, the participants have adapted pretty well despite language barriers and cultural confusion. “We all say that when in China, do as the Chinese do. We have learned how to take subway and bus and can even help other foreigners,” said she delightedly. “It has been truly rewarding this week, and I have got a deeper understanding of the situation in China. I firmly support the one-China principle. Only when the people strive in unity can a country become stronger and more prosperous.”
“China is an intriguing and complicated country,” said Ansel, Project Liaison Officer of Dominica’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, “It’s not until I have been in China that I realized our previous impression of the country was not objective due to influence from Western media. I am grateful for the opportunity to explore China and Beijing in person and look forward to more opportunities to strengthen mutual understanding between the two countries.”
“It’s a really fascinating and eye-opening experience in China,” said Nadia Pinard, Adult Education Officer. “Let’s further build a bridge between the two countries, respect and learn from each other, and consolidate the achievements of the Belt and Road Initiative in the Caribbean.” Her words were echoed by other participants, who said that this visit left them a deep impression. They also welcomed more Chinese people to learn about Dominica, which is hailed as “The Nature Island of the Caribbean.”
Dominica at a Glance
The Commonwealth of Dominica in North America is located in the northeast of the Windward Islands on the eastern edge of the Caribbean Sea. Dominica is the largest volcanic island in the Windward Islands, with an area of about 751 square kilometers. The country is commonly known as “The Nature Island of the Caribbean” for its beautiful scenery. Dominica borders the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Caribbean Sea to the west and lies off Martinique to the south across the Martinique Passage and off Guadeloupe to the north across the Dominica Channel. Dominica features a mountainous terrain and has a tropical marine climate, with an average annual temperature of 25 to 32℃.
Dominica became independent on November 3, 1978 and is now a member of the Commonwealth. It had a population of approximately 74,000 in 2022, of whom the majority were black and mulatto. Most Dominicans identify as Catholic and a few as Protestant. The capital of Dominica is Roseau, which has a population of about 20,000. The current President of Dominica is Charles Angelo Savarin, and the ruling party is Dominica Labor Party.
Dominica is endowed with abundant natural resources. The area of forests is about 360 square kilometers. The country grows a lot of bananas, coconuts, mangoes, etc., and is working to promote agricultural diversification and boost the floral industry, aquaculture, and vegetable growing. Dominica is rich in tourism resources, and its tropical rain forests, hot springs, and waterfalls enjoy great potential. In recent years, the country has made great efforts to promote ecotourism, and most of its tourists are from the United States, Canada, Europe, and other Caribbean countries.
China and Dominica established diplomatic relations on March 23, 2004.
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