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The Governments of Jamaica and the People’s Republic of China have strengthened economic and technical cooperation activities between the two countries, with the signing of Letters of Exchange for the development of a children’s hospital in western Jamaica.
The signing, which took place today (Monday, January 9) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade headquarters in New Kingston, formalises the commencement of the project, with the Chinese Government responsible for project design and construction.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, highlighted the employment opportunities for Jamaicans that the construction phase would provide, as well as hospital staffing opportunities upon completion.
“Beyond employment, of course, the hospital when completed will even more importantly benefit parents and families in the western side of Jamaica who will have closer and greater access to specialist paediatric care,” the Minister stated.
Minister of Health, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, who was also present for the signing, labelled the move a major boost to the health sector, and expressed gratitude to the Foreign Ministry for its role in procuring the Agreement.
Minister Johnson Smith also noted that the signing comes in an important year for Jamaica/China relations, as 2017 marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
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