Antigua and Barbuda has officially opened a new plant tissue culture laboratory designed to bolster agricultural research, training, and food security through a partnership with the People's Republic of China.
Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith Jr. announced the opening on Tuesday, calling the facility a major milestone for the country's agricultural sector. The laboratory was established under the Phase II Agricultural Technical Assistance Project, a cooperative initiative between the two governments.
The facility will expand Antigua and Barbuda's research and training capabilities while supporting broader efforts to improve food sovereignty. "This critical facility empowers us to strengthen our food sovereignty and security," Minister Smith said.
Smith credited the Government of China and the Ministry of Agriculture's staff for their roles in bringing the project to completion. He described the laboratory as another step toward building a more sustainable agricultural sector and called for continued collaboration to advance food security and national prosperity.
The opening ceremony was attended by government officials and representatives of the Chinese technical mission, and concluded with a ribbon-cutting to formally commission the facility.
