A delegation from the Center for Caribbean Studies at Hangzhou Normal University has held talks with the Chinese Ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda to advance plans for expanded medical cooperation.

Professor Zhang Xingwei, a leading cardiovascular specialist and head of the university’s Affiliated Hospital, led the team during Friday’s courtesy visit to Ambassador Jiang Wei. He outlined proposals to support long-term improvements in Antigua and Barbuda’s healthcare system.

The projects under discussion include the creation of a Chest Pain Centre, a cardiovascular interventional training programme, and an Internet hospital platform aimed at widening digital access to medical services. Zhang said the initiatives would help strengthen local diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases through technology transfer and specialist training.

Ambassador Jiang welcomed the delegation and described health cooperation as a key element of China’s partnership with Antigua and the wider Caribbean. She called for careful planning and thorough feasibility studies to ensure the proposed projects deliver “tangible benefits” to the public.

Senator Clement Antonio attended the meeting on behalf of the government, signalling Antigua and Barbuda’s interest in expanding medical collaboration with international partners.