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HOME	OCTOBER 08 th, 2005

The main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) is confident that Grenada can benefit substantially from a visit paid to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) by a seven-member delegation.

Opposition Leader Tillman Thomas headed the team that included three other elected Members of Parliament that returned ohme on Sunday night from a one week visit to China

Speaking to reporters Tuesday in St. George’s, Thomas described the trip to Mainland China as “very successful”. He said it was indeed “an historic trip” as the group was the largest group from an opposition party inside Grenada to be invited to visit the island by the Chinese.

He disclosed that the delegation held “very positive meetings” with officials from the Chinese government and ruling party and made mention meetings with the Ministers from the International Department, and the Ministry of Commence.

According to Thomas, the talks centered on tourism and agriculture. He said that the local delegation made a bid for Grenadians to get opportunities to study in China in the areas of Agriculture since there were universities and technical institutions in China that major in agriculture.

The Opposition leader noted that there was an upcoming agriculture exhibition in China, and the NDC is hopeful that a representative from Grenada would be invited to attend the event. Thomas noted that from the positive responses received from Chinese officials, it is evident that the government in Beijing is willing to help Grenada with any project put forward especially in the areas of agriculture and tourism.

He pointed out that the Chinese Minister of Commerce suggested to the visting NDC delegation that Grenada should get involved in fish processing. In addition, he said that there is need to modernise Grenada’s Agriculture Industry with the assistance from China.

Thomas said the NDC wants to remain in contact with the Chinese Government because they see great potential to be derived from the relationship. He told reporters that the Congress party will try to engage in discussions with the ruling New Natoinal Party (NNP) Government of Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell on areas that were discussed in China, particularly agriculture.

Parliamentary Representative for the South St.George Constituency, Glennis Roberts suggested that Grenada can look at adopting the Chinese patriotism and discipline. Parliamentary Representative for the Town of St.George’s Peter David pointed out that Grenadians should not be confused with the visit to China by the NDC group.

He said the opposition party was never opposed with the NNP Government’s decision to end relations with the Republic of China (ROC) on Taiwan for Mainland China but merely with the manner in which it was done.

David favoured Grenada continuing to have relations with Taiwan on a cultural and economic level and not on a governmental level.