The government yesterday signed an agreement with the People's Republic of China for economic and technical cooperation valued at $8 million.

"We are deeply appreciative of the grant, which amounts now to a total of some $13 million," Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell said before signing the agreement.

"I know the prime minister has a list of projects, which he has allocated to this. It is a special pleasure to accept the gift and I assure you that it will be used for the betterment and development of our country."

Chinese Ambassador to The Bahamas Hu Shan said the signing was a significant milestone and he praised the relationship between the two countries.

The grant provides funding for mutually agreed projects, amongst other things, Mitchell said. Philip Miller, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, said the agreement "is the sterling example of the type of cooperation that has existed between our two countries since the establishment of diplomatic relations in May 1997".

The signing took place in the Majority Room of the House of Assembly. Mitchell said he hopes to visit China within the next two weeks and express his gratitude for the gift.

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