Prime Minister Bruce Golding (left) talks trade and investment with Wan Jifei, Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), on February 3 during the Jamaican Investment Seminar in China.

Discussions on investment opportunities and improving trade relations between Jamaica and China took centre stage when Prime Minister Bruce Golding met with Wan Jifei, Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), on February 3 during the Government of Jamaica’s mission to China.

Speaking at the Jamaica Investment Seminar, Prime Minister Golding highlighted Jamaica’s favourable geographical location and great investment potential while welcoming Chinese enterprises to invest in Jamaica. He stated that the promotion and strengthening of business ties between both nations would ultimately elevate bilateral cooperation to a new level.

Jamaica and China first established diplomatic relations in 1972, and Prime Minister Golding pointed out that the relationship between the countries has deepened on the basis of mutual respect and support.

CCPIT Chairman Wan Jifei noted that the economies of Jamaica and China have complementary business offerings, and indicated that the potential for both countries to engage in mutually beneficial economic activities remains great and is likely to take off once the world economic situation stabilises. He added that CCPIT will continue to promote trade and economic opportunities with Jamaica to Chinese enterprises.

The Prime Minister's visit, which runs from January 30 and February 6, was prompted by an invitation from the Chinese government, following a visit to Jamaica last February by the Vice President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping. Prime Minister Golding is leading a delegation that includes Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Dr. Kenneth Baugh; Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Karl Samuda; Transport and Works Minister, Mike Henry; and Sancia Bennett Templer, President of Jamaica Trade and Invest (JTI/JAMPRO).

While in China, Prime Minister Golding will pay a courtesy call on Chinese President, Hu Jintao. Meetings have also been scheduled with the Vice President Xi Jinping; Premier Wen Jiabao, who heads the Chinese government agency on energy policy; Chairman of the China National Development Bank and the President of the Ex-Im Bank of China.