A new primary care center and a cultural facility are set to be established in the Caribbean island nation of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines thanks to two development loan agreements worth $16 million. Signed by the Saudi Fund for Development, the two new agreements are part of the Kingdom’s framework to support the advancement in developing countries and small island developing states worldwide.
The first agreement will oversee the construction of a primary care center in South Rivers for $6 million. The primary care center aims to improve the quality and resilience of the healthcare sector in the island nation while ensuring that locals have access to the necessary health services.
It will also help in reducing chronic diseases as well as reducing mortality rates in the region.The project is expected to create direct and indirect job opportunities and train medical staff.
Meanwhile, the second agreement worth $10 million was allocated to construct a cultural center and a market for craft and agricultural products in Belle Vue.The project will promote the country’s craft, handicraft, cultural and creative industries.
It will also significantly promote tourism, social and cultural growth, and public health.Together, the two projects will contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically good health, well-being, decent work and economic growth.
“We look forward, through the signing of these two agreements, to opening horizons for development cooperation with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and strengthening close relations between the two countries,” Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ralph Gonsalves said.
SDF Chairman Ahmed Aqeel Al-Khateeb and Camillo Gonsalves, the minister of finance, economic planning and information technology of the island nation, signed the agreements.Founded in 1974, the SFD has implemented over 700 projects and development programs in 85 countries worldwide.