Caption: Jamaica and China are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations this year. Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade attended a reception recently to mark the occasion.
In delivering her toast, the Minister shared that, “the presence of Chinese in Jamaica and Jamaicans of Chinese descent have made important contributions to the island’s business, retail, banking and restaurant communities, as well as its political and musical landscape.”
Johnson Smith also commended China for pursuing international outreach and in particular South-South Cooperation, through which Jamaica has benefitted immensely.
She noted that China stands as one of the key partners in Jamaica’s drive for infrastructural development and modernization.
“The Ministry’s new fit-for-purpose home at the Hugh Shearer Building, as well as the Edward Seaga Highway,” she said, are evidence of a fruitful partnership between the countries.
She also applauded China for being instrumental in the promotion of Jamaica’s social development goals, including the provision of scholarships for Jamaican students.
