{"id":250083,"date":"2025-09-16T14:03:57","date_gmt":"2025-09-16T18:03:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=250083"},"modified":"2025-09-16T14:03:58","modified_gmt":"2025-09-16T18:03:58","slug":"pm-browne-hails-chinas-role-in-antigua-and-barbudas-development","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/pm-browne-hails-chinas-role-in-antigua-and-barbudas-development\/","title":{"rendered":"PM Browne Hails China\u2019s Role in Antigua and Barbuda\u2019s Development"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Prime Minister Gaston Browne has praised China\u2019s global rise and its partnership with Antigua and Barbuda, during celebrations marking the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People\u2019s Republic of China.<\/p>

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Speaking before diplomats, dignitaries and government officials on Monday night, Mr Browne said China\u2019s progress offered inspiration to small developing states. He recalled personal visits to the country in 2000 and 2024, describing its transformation as \u201cextraordinary.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat I saw in 2024 was a modern, technologically advanced nation that has defied all odds, overcoming the legacies of fascism and colonialism,\u201d he said. \u201cWith vision and unity, great progress is possible.\u201d<\/p>

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Shared values and cooperation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Prime Minister said Antigua and Barbuda and China were united by a philosophy of sovereignty, non-interference and mutual respect. He pointed to initiatives such as the Belt and Road and the Global Development Initiative as creating opportunities for small nations.<\/p>

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Mr Browne noted that Beijing had provided a recent US$100m grant for poverty alleviation and development, contrasting what he called China\u2019s \u201cconcessional loans\u201d with the more restrictive policies of international financial institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Landmark projects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Among the major undertakings financed by China, Mr Browne singled out the Booby Alley housing redevelopment, describing it as \u201ca project that touches the lives of our most vulnerable citizens.\u201d<\/p>

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\u201cThis project is not just about concrete and steel,\u201d he told the gathering. \u201cIt is about lifting people out of poverty, restoring pride in a historic neighbourhood, and proving that no community is forgotten.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other projects credited to Chinese support included:<\/p>

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