Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade received today (March 21), the copy Letters of Credence from Mr. Tian Qi, Ambassador designate of China to Jamaica, at the Ministry’s New Kingston offices.

The diplomat, who was most recently Ambassador to Yemen, has also served in the Chinese Embassies in Ethiopia, Hong Kong, Brunei Darussalam.

Following her initial welcome of Ambassador designate Tian, Minister Johnson Smith conveyed her appreciation of his country’s development assistance, including in the area of youth healthcare and infrastructure. In that regard, the Foreign Minister referred to China’s funding commitment of J$5.8 Billion towards the construction of a children’s hospital in western Jamaica as well as assistance in the building of two early childhood institutions in the Olympic Way, St. Andrew and Morant Bay, St. Thomas communities.

The Minister further conveyed the Government of Jamaica’s deep appreciation for the new Foreign Ministry building being constructed by China in downtown Kingston, which is scheduled for completion by year end.

Cooperation in trade, specifically the impending export of Jamaican seafood to China, investment cooperation, tourism and possible high-level visits were also discussed.

Jamaica and China are in their 46th year of diplomatic relations.