Sino-Grenadian Dialogue on Architectural Cooperation: Advancing Housing Development in Grenada

On October 23, 2024, at the invitation of Liu Ye, Vice President of the China Building Materials Market Association and Chairman of APEX Universal Group, His Excellency Ambassador Ma Yan of Grenada visited the China Building Materials Market Association for discussions on cooperation in building materials and prefabricated architecture. The exchange meeting took place in the association’s conference room, attended by several industry leaders, including Ding Lizhong, Party Secretary and Secretary-General of the China Building Materials Market Association; Chi Congtao, Vice President of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Building Materials Branch; Shu Lin, Deputy Director of the China-Caribbean New Technology Exchange Center; Wu Di, China Building Materials Federation ;Shen Yu Lu ,from the National Building Materials Exhibition and Trade Center; Shang Yang, Director of the Industry Development Department of the China Building Materials Market Association; and Jiang Tao, General Manager of APEX Universal Group.

During the meeting, both parties engaged in in-depth and productive discussions on the demands and development trends of the building materials industry and prefabricated construction in both countries. The conversation focused on the industrial advantages of Chinese prefabricated construction in Grenada and explored how international cooperation between the two countries can promote sustainable, green, and low-carbon development in this field. Following the discussion, participants toured a prefabricated housing model at the China Building Materials Market Association. Ambassador Ma Yan expressed high regard for China’s advancements in prefabricated and green building materials, showing great interest in their potential application in Grenada. Both parties reached a consensus on deepening their cooperation.

On the evening of October 25, a video conference was held, with Mr. Thomas, Chairman of the Grenadian Housing Authority, joining the meeting. He expressed deep appreciation for China’s advanced experience and technological strengths in prefabricated construction, noting that China’s achievements not only serve as a global model but also provide valuable insights for Grenada’s development. During the conference, Mr. Thomas presented Grenada’s visionary "Project 500" housing initiative, which focuses on sustainability, accessibility, and comfort, aiming to improve residents' quality of life and secure the future. The initiative goes beyond merely building houses—it seeks to help low-income families achieve their housing dreams.

In the future, the Grenadian government will collaborate closely with APEX to construct 500 housing units under the "Project 500" plan, providing homes for families in need. Chairman Thomas emphasized that this is only the first step in a long-term strategy. Over the next few years, the plan will expand to build approximately 2,000 additional housing units to meet the growing demand.

During the meeting, both sides agreed to establish a mutual mechanism for building material standards, testing, and certification between China and Grenada. This significant achievement lays a solid foundation for the coordinated development of the two countries' building materials industries and prefabricated architecture. It also ensures the smooth implementation of the "Project 500" initiative. With joint efforts, Grenada’s housing development is expected to enter a new phase, and architectural cooperation between the two nations will continue to deepen, bringing greater benefits to the people of both countries.

This exchange event marks a new chapter in the cooperation between China and Grenada in the field of building materials. With continued collaboration, China’s prefabricated construction technology is poised to flourish in Grenada, contributing to sustainable development and enhancing the well-being of both nations.