Jamaica-China Relations to Deepen with Visit of Vice President

Jamaica-China relations are expected to deepen with the arrival in the island of Vice President of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Xi Jinping and his delegation on Wednesday (Feb. 11), for an official four-day visit.
Among the highlights of Mr. Xi’s visit are discussions with Prime Minister, Bruce Golding on bilateral and multilateral issues, as well as on international political developments. In addition, agreements are expected to be reached in the areas of education, agriculture, infrastructural development and finance.
The Vice-President and members of his delegation will also hold private meetings with Chinese-company representatives, members of the Chinese community and the staff of the Chinese Embassy.
Of note will be his visit to the University of the West Indies, Mona campus for the official unveiling of the Confucius Institute.
He will also visit Montego Bay, where he will be presented with the Keys to the City by Mayor, Councillor Charles Sinclair. Mr. Xi will also participate in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Montego Bay Convention Centre, a project which is funded by the Chinese government in the sum of $1.87 billion, and the Government of Jamaica in the sum of $802.2 million.
The visit of Mr. Xi will be the first by a Chinese Vice President since 2005, when His Excellency Zen Quinghong came to the island for the China-Caribbean Economic Trade Forum.
Last week, Cabinet gave approval for the programme and budget associated with the official visit.
“The visit augurs well for the further deepening and enhancing of Jamaica-China relations. Currently, a vibrant mutually beneficial bilateral programme of cooperation exists between both countries,” Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, Olivia Grange told journalists.
Ties of friendship and co-operation between Jamaica and the People’s Republic of China have been underpinned by mutual respect since diplomatic relations were established in 1972.