Antigua and Barbuda has received 20 electric vehicles from Chinese automotive company Geely Motors as the country prepares to accommodate international delegates attending the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
The vehicles, identified as Zeekr 7X models, arrived at St. John’s Harbour on November 1 before being officially handed over to the government on Monday, November 2, during a ceremony at Camp Blizzard.
The handover involved Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration Minister E.P. Chet Greene, Chinese Ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda Jiang Wei, and Geely Motors representative Bao Huanke.
The donation is intended to assist with transportation arrangements for visiting leaders and other delegates attending the Commonwealth gathering.
Minister Greene expressed appreciation to Geely Motors for supporting the country’s preparations, noting that the contribution could also provide longer-term benefits beyond the international meeting.
The Chinese ambassador also welcomed the partnership, describing it as another contribution towards Antigua and Barbuda’s successful hosting of the Commonwealth summit.
PUSH TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION
The arrival of the electric vehicles represents part of the government’s wider interest in encouraging more sustainable transportation options.
Electric vehicles can help reduce reliance on traditional fuel-powered transportation and lower emissions when compared with conventional vehicles.
The arrangement was facilitated through cooperation involving the Antigua and Barbuda Embassy in the United Arab Emirates, the Chinese Embassy in St. John’s and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The government hopes the partnership will create further opportunities for electric vehicle use in Antigua and Barbuda.
The contribution also highlights the international partnerships surrounding the country’s hosting of CHOGM 2026.
