Revisit Jamaica’s trade with China
Dear Editor,
I believe Jamaica must re-examine her current trade relationship with China like the leaders of France and the United Kingdom.
Last week, China and France signed major industrial deals worth more than US$20 billion during the state visit by Chinese President Hu Jintao and a high-level government and business entourage.
As I write, British Prime Minister David Cameron starts his two-day visit to China. The PM is accompanied by the chancellor of the exchequer and other ministers as well as a group of 50 business and education leaders as part of a drive to increase trade between the two countries. The trip focuses on expanding trade ties with the world’s second largest economy. During the trip he also announced the names of the Coalition Government’s new business ambassadors, who will promote the UK’s excellence in overseas markets.
In more specific terms, the business ambassadors will:
* When travelling on business, carry out priority meetings at the request of UK Trade and Investment, for example lobbying to remove barriers to market access or leading events for SMEs.
* Undertake dedicated overseas visits or lead missions in agreement with UKTI.
* Brief UK ministers and ambassadors on key business priorities and interests as they might arise.
* Meet overseas ministers and inward missions.
* Provide insights into how UK Trade and Investment can best deliver for business.
* Contribute to government-to-government dialogues with China, India, Brazil, Russia, Vietnam, Eastern Europe and other key markets.
The world is turning to China for recovery. And I wish our leaders in Gordon House, Jampro and the business communities could revisit Jamaica’s trade and business relationships with China. As I see it, things are not moving in the right direction!
Lewis Leung
Hong Kong, China
lewis_leung67@yahoo.com