Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator Johnson Smith, in conveying greetings on behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica on the occasion on the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, said that the day was a very special occasion for the ambassador, who was observing his first China National Day celebration in Kingston, having only assumed duties as head of mission earlier this year.

“We have every confidence that under your able leadership, the Jamaica-China partnership will continue to flourish,” Senator Johnson Smith, who was speaking at the reception hosted by Chinese Ambassador to Jamaica. Tian Qi on Monday, October 1 at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, said.

She noted that the People’s Republic of China has made great strides in its development, since its opening up to the outside world 40 years ago.

“Very few countries, even among the developed ones, can claim the laudable levels of growth recorded by some of China’s provinces, and the country as a whole.

“Today China stands as an economic powerhouse, and its sterling contribution to international economic development, particularly in manufacturing, technology and infrastructure development, is evident in so many countries around the world,” she said.

She added that the exceptional performance of China is embodied in the Chinese adage, “the Chinese people would cut paths through mountains, and build bridges across rivers to move forward on reform”.

“China’s advances confirm that fortune favours the diligent; and we applaud its efforts to continue the journey towards economic prosperity through the transformative Belt and Road Initiative.

Senator Johnson Smith said she was pleased that very shortly two early childhood institutions — the Tower Hill Infant School in St Andrew, and the Morant Estate Infant School in St Thomas — will be officially opened, providing much-needed facilities for 145 students.

“We are also looking forward to the completion of the Foreign Ministry office building later this year. In addition, on the trade front China has been assisting us to further tap into our nascent blue economy by opening up trade opportunities for the exportation of live lobsters,” she stated.

She then extended her best wishes for the continued peace, progress and prosperity of China, and for the further strengthening of friendship between the two countries through the Belt and Road Initiative, and with other countries in the Latin America and Caribbean region.