China has no Hidden Agenda on JDIP Project – Ambassador Jinghua

Chinese Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Chen Jinghua, has assured that his Government has no hidden agenda in partnering with the Jamaican government on the $36 billion Jamaica Development Infrastructure Programme (JDIP).
The Ambassador said China’s cooperation with Jamaica is transparent. “We have always given full respect to the sovereignty and development paths of Jamaica.we have always followed the principles of mutual respect, mutual non-interference, in each others’ internal affairs,” he noted.
“We have always been offering sincere and friendly assistance to Jamaica and never touch any political conditionality for such assistance,” he stated, noting that China cherishes its friendship with Jamaica.
Ambassador Chen was speaking at the 2010 China Harbour Engineering Conference, which is being held at the Wyndham Kingston Hotel today (September 23) and tomorrow.

Minister of Transport and Works, Hon. Michael Henry (2nd right) observes keenly as General Manager of China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), Latin America, Tang Zhongdong (left) points out some of CHEC’s best road construction and engineering works. Also looking on are: Managing Director of YP Seaton and Associates, YP Seaton (2nd left), local contractors for the Jamaica Development Infrastructure Programme (JDIP); and Chinese Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Chen Jinghua. They were at the opening of the two-day China Harbour Engineering Conference on (Sept. 23) at the Wyndham Kingston Hotel.

The conference, part of activities to mark Engineering Week in Jamaica, comes as China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) celebrates its 30th anniversary, and as the company prepares to begin JDIP, which has been described as the country’s most comprehensive road rehabilitation initiative.
According to Ambassador Chen, JDIP would not only elevate the travelling comfort of Jamaicans, but would also set up a solid infrastructure foundation for the country, as it strives for economic and social development.
He noted that CHEC “has maintained a keen sense of social responsibility alongside business expansion in terms of creating the greatest value for its clients, establishing win-win cooperation, carrying out technology transfer and fulfilling both commercial and social responsibilities.”
The two-day conference is part of the technology transfer process, as it will illustrate the most advanced technology that are commonly used in China for highway and bridge construction, as well as mountainous road designs, which may be more feasible in the rural conditions of Jamaica.
Local engineers are expected to benefit from the knowledge and expertise of Chinese engineers on design and construction of roads and highways, and solidify long-term, professional relationship among the engineers.
Meanwhile, General Manager of CHEC Latin America, Tang Zhongdong, stated that the knowledge sharing experience will contribute significantly to improving road conditions and subsequently, the economic development of the country.
Mr. Tang said that as part of its thrust toward social responsibility, CHEC would endeavour to build a bridge of friendship with the Jamaican people by contributing to the future of Jamaica’s engineering demands. “This will be accomplished through the provision of educational opportunities for qualified candidates as well as technical training,” he disclosed.
Topics to be explored at the conference include: design and techniques of expressway expansion and reconstruction; the conceptual design and examples of roads in mountainous and urban regions; highway subgrade and surface design in mountainous regions; the treatment of soft soil highway base; and the development of sea crossing and mountain crossing bridge construction technology in China.