BEIJING, MAY 31ST 2012: Today in Beijing, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the National Development and Reform Commission of the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of Finance, Planning, Economy and Cooperatives of the Government of Grenada concerning the Provision of Goods for Addressing Climate Change in the State of Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique. Vice-Chairman of the NDRC, Minister XIE, Zhenhua stated that he had visited Grenada shortly after the passage of hurricane Ivan and has very fond memories of the resilience of the Grenadian people and the unique charm of the island of Grenada. Minister XIE lauded the efforts of Grenada’s Ambassador to the United Nations, H.E. Ambassador Dessima Williams, in championing Grenada’s leadership role in focusing the world’s attention to the vulnerabilities faced by Small Island Developing States in determining a sustainable path in protecting themselves from the effects of Climate Change. In the MOU which was executed, China acknowledges that Climate Change and its adverse effects are the common challenge for mankind, which needs to be addressed actively through strengthened international cooperation. In order to assist developing countries to effectively mitigate these adverse effects and improve the social wellbeing of mankind, China has embarked upon a South to South Cooperation programme to provide certain energy efficient and low emission products to developing countries. In a multi-year programme, Grenada is one of initial recipients of these goods which include a variety of highly efficient LED lighting which would reduce the consumption of electricity and energy efficient air conditioning equipment which produce very low emissions during operation. Upon signing of the MOU on behalf of the Government of Grenada, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Grenada in Beijing Mr. Richard A. Nixon expressed the gratitude from the People and Government of Grenada to the People, Government of the People’s Republic of China and the National Development and Reform Commission for their commitment in demonstrating in a tangible way China’s contribution to the world, in particular developing countries, in fighting the effects of Climate Change. Mr. Nixon also shared Grenada’s commitment to effectively confront Climate Change issues through the development and implementation of “Green” policies and enforcement of strict environmental standards and practices. An invitation to revisit Grenada upon the commissioning of some of these products was extended to Minister Xie.