ST GEORGE'S, Grenada: The island of Grenada is to receive more assistance from China, as the two countries continue to develop strong diplomatic relationships. This news follows several meetings and discussions last week between officials of the Governments of China and Grenada. On Friday July 7, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell met with China’s Vice-President H.E. Zeng Qing Hong and Chinese Premier H.E. Wen Jia Bao. The both leaders discussed extending the assistance already being provided as well as providing assistance in new areas. China will now provide more assistance for the construction of the national stadium and the development of its environs; more help for the construction of the hospital; assistance with servicing foreign debts as well as funding for technical support here. Prime Minister Mitchell also spoke of the thousands who had lost their jobs through Ivan and asked for increased assistance for the people and the country in general. The Chinese leaders expressed their sympathy and pledged China’s help. Prime Minister Mitchell told the Chinese Premier that Grenada needed special help because of the impact of Hurricane Ivan. He said that Grenada had enjoyed its most economically prosperous period over the last ten years, with growth rates exceeding five percent consistently. However, he stated that this changed overnight with the impact of Hurricane Ivan, and all the island’s revenue generating areas were paralyzed. Zeng Qing Hong elaborated on China’s commitment to assisting Grenada and said that China had already come to Grenada’s assistance and would continue to do so. Reprinted from Caribbean Net News caribbeannetnews.com