Communication： Small Projects Help People’s Livelihood —— A New Benchmark for China-Pakistan Friendship through Diversified Cooperation

　　Xinhua News Agency, Bridgetown, June 23rd, Communication: Small projects help people’s livelihood — — Diversified cooperation has achieved a new benchmark for China-Pakistan friendship.

　　Xinhua News Agency reporter Xuan Lijun Liang Yan Zhu Yubo

　　Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Barbados in 1977, the friendship between the two countries has been writing touching stories, and a series of diversified projects of China-Pakistan cooperation are becoming a new benchmark to witness the friendship between the two countries.

　　Long winds and waves, the future can be expected. The friendly cooperation between China and Pakistan has brought more beauty to people living on this pearl of the Caribbean.

　　Made in China, a monument to sports achievements.

　　In the eyes of Barbados people, besides Rihanna, a world-famous singer, who is regarded as a "national hero", there is another "national hero" — — Garfield Sobers, a famous cricketer. Born in Bridgetown, Barbados, this player has won numerous honors, and his legendary story is still circulating in Barbados and even the whole Caribbean.

　　In St. Michael’s district of Barbados, there is a gymnasium named after Sobos. This gymnasium has become one of the important multi-functional activity centers in Barbados, and its establishment and improvement have deep roots in China.

　　According to Neil murrell, sports director of the Barbados National Sports Commission, Garfield Sobers Gymnasium was built by the government of China in 1992 for free, and was renovated again in 2017. This large gymnasium, which can accommodate nearly 5,000 people, can hold large-scale events, cultural performances and other activities, with a large-scale fitness center attached.

　　"This stadium is a valuable property of Barbados." Murrell said, "Thanks to the help of friends from China, they have effectively promoted the development of sports in Barbados."

　　In murrell’s eyes, the significance of Garfield Sobers Stadium is no longer confined to Barbados. "This stadium has become a landmark comprehensive activity center throughout the Caribbean."

　　On the lawn outside Garfield Sobers Stadium, outdoor fitness equipment such as Tai Chi massagers are neatly placed. Charles Griffiths, Barbados’ Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, also spoke highly of the stadium: "This is not only one of the greatest achievements since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan in 1977, but also one of the largest and most important stadiums in China."

　　"I look forward to more cooperation with China in sports and culture." Griffith said.

　　China project helps food security.

　　In St. Thomas District of Barbados, a project closely related to the "money bag" and "rice bag" of the Pakistani people is in full swing. This is the construction site of the Barbados Food Security Center project aided by the Government of China. Chinese workers are constantly busy on the construction site, and with the roar of machinery and equipment, the main frames of buildings have taken shape.

　　Yan Xiusheng, Ambassador of China to Barbados, said that in recent years, the bilateral pragmatic cooperation between China and Barbados has been continuously expanded, and China has provided Barbados with many support such as free aid, preferential loans and human resources training, which has continuously benefited the people of Barbados. China’s aid projects play an important role in local economic and social life and become a symbol of friendship between the two peoples.

　　According to Wu Sunqing, project manager of the Food Security Center of the Overseas Department of Shanghai Construction Engineering Group, the project covers a total area of 54,000 square meters and consists of 13 building units, including a fruit processing factory, a chocolate processing factory, a vegetable processing factory, a cotton processing factory, a meat sorting processing factory, a testing laboratory and a conference center.

　　Barbados relies heavily on imports of food and vegetables, and the related agricultural production and processing technologies need to be improved urgently. This food security center is of great significance for ensuring food security in Pakistan, improving the level of agricultural development and improving the quality of life of residents.

　　"The Center for Food Security project is the first China aid project in Barbados for more than 20 years. As a part of Barbados’ long-term agricultural development plan, the implementation of this project is also a landmark event in the development of China’s food aid to Pakistan. " Wu Sunqing said, "After the project is completed, it will surely become a new benchmark for China-Pakistan friendship."

　　China friends witness cultural exchanges.

　　For more than 40 years, a China name "Yin Yang" has been passed down from mouth to mouth among Barbadian sports fans.

　　"In Barbados, he is a very popular table tennis coach, and his excellent skills have been passed down among Barbados athletes." Dale Rudd, former president of the Barbados Table Tennis Association, said.

　　Who is "Yin and Yang"? Through the unremitting efforts of Li Renyan, the Chinese president of the Confucius Institute at the University of the West Indies, Kaifu Hill, Barbados, it was finally determined that he was Yang Ying, the first table tennis coach from China to Barbados. Yang Ying traveled across the ocean in 1979 and was invited to coach the national team in Barbados. "I am very happy that the people of Barbados still remember me after so many years." Yang Ying, now 91 years old, said.

　　The legend started by Yang Ying continues. More than 40 years later, Wu Cong, the second foreign aid coach, set foot in Barbados. His arrival made the players’ performance improve rapidly. In the qualifiers of the Central American and Caribbean Games and the Caribbean Championship, Wu Cong helped the Pakistani national team to win the third place in the men’s team.

　　In April, 2015, the Confucius Institute was established in the University of the West Indies, Kaifu Hill, Barbados. Since its establishment, the Confucius Institute has developed Chinese teaching activities in China, and made great efforts to promote the exchange and promotion of Pakistani traditional culture and table tennis and other sports in the local area, which has been well received by local people.

　　Li Renyan said: "As the only Confucius Institute in Barbados, our college shoulders the responsibility of teaching Chinese and spreading culture. We have conducted Chinese courses in two primary schools, one middle school and three colleges and universities, with about 1,000 students each year. "

　　From achieving sports monuments to helping food security, from infrastructure construction to promoting cultural exchanges, the diversified projects of China-Pakistan cooperation have experienced ups and downs for decades. The friendship will last forever and the legend will continue, and the Chinese and Pakistani people will surely write a new and beautiful chapter in the cooperation and development between the two countries. (Participating in reporter: Xin Yuewei)