Chinese Construction Group Eyes Expansion Of Phoenix Industrial Park
The Beijing Construction Engineering Group (BCEG) is proposing the comprehensive development of Couva, linking transportation, housing, industry and public services to create a more integrated urban centre.
According to its Chairman, Gao Qiang, the company, which served as the main design-build contractor for the Phoenix Park Industrial Estate, hopes to begin with the expansion of the Phoenix Industrial Park.
The Caribbean Urban Development and Transformation Forum, hosted by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in collaboration with UWI – Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business on Monday, saw stakeholders lend their voices to the conversation following a video presentation, The Art of Governance, which showcased China’s new urbanisation strategies.
Among the stakeholders was Minister of Housing Dr David Lee, who recognised global advances in construction, smart infrastructure and energy-efficient buildings, while acknowledging the importance of China-Caribbean collaboration.
« This is the one of the reason why China-Caribbean cooperation is so important. China’s experience in urban development infrastructure, housing technology, and large-scale project delivery provides valuable opportunities for knowledge, exchange, and collaboration. At the same time, Caribbean countries bring our own knowledge, experience, and innovative approaches, particularly in addressing the challenges faced by small island and coastal states. »
Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Ren Hongyan highlighted several ventures that can be pursued jointly, including affordable housing and low-carbon projects.
« China and the Caribbean share a commitment to moving beyond conventional expansion toward quality-driven urbanisation. We both recognise the transformative potential of renewable energy, smart infrastructures and natural-based solutions. Together, we can design new projects that embody our shared aspirations for low-carbon living and digital connectivity. »
Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States, Her Excellency Noemi Espinoza Madrid, stressed that the solutions adopted must be tailored to address the problems unique to the region.
« The realities of the greater Caribbean are different; our cities have different skills, geography, institutional and fiscal capacities, and levels of climate exposure. The value of cooperating therefore lies in our ability to learn, analyse, and adapt, identifying experiences and tools that can respond to our own realities and priorities. »
Elaborating on the impact of urbanisation was a joint panel, moderated by the CEO of the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business, Mariano Browne; including Chairman of Housing Development Corporation, Feeroz Khan; Deputy General Manager of BCEG International, Ma Shulong; Senior Land Use Planner, Aisha Donaldson; President of the Institute of Surveyors TT, Dr Derek Outridge; and Economist Dr Indera Sagewan.
