Jamaican, Chinese Gov’t’s pledge to further strengthen bilateral relations
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is reiterating that the Government is committed to further strengthen cooperation and bilateral relations with the Peoples’ Republic of China.
Labour Minister Pearnel Charles Jr, accompanied by Minister of State, Dr Norman Dunn, and Permanent Secretary Colette Roberts Risden, hosted Chen Daojiang, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Jamaica, during a Courtesy Call at the Ministry’s North Street office, on Wednesday, August 2.
In welcoming the ambassador, Minister Charles expressed his appreciation for the excellent relations that Jamaica has always enjoyed with the past Chinese ambassadors to Jamaica, and noted that his presence was of great significance to the ministry.
For his part, Ambassador Chen Daojiang expressed his pleasure in meeting with the ministers, and thanked them for the opportunity to discuss labour market issues of mutual interest to both countries.
The ministers engaged the ambassador in discussions surrounding opportunities for infusing Chinese expertise into Jamaican Industry, especially prospective opportunities for training and upskilling of the Jamaican workforce.
“The ministers expressed particular interest in the employment of simulators in circumstances where face-to-face training was not practical. The discussion included possibilities for the training and development of a pool of skilled master-builders, as a means of providing new, enhanced opportunities for the Jamaican workforce, and the provision of technical assistance to help infuse a culture of workplace safety in Jamaican Industry,” a statement on Friday read.
The Chinese ambassador further thanked the Jamaican government for the opportunities provided to Chinese nationals and Chinese industry in Jamaica, and for the confidence reposed in the Chinese government. He also invited the Jamaican Government to take advantage of the opportunities for funding provided under the Global Development Initiative, and pledged China’s continued support of and friendship with the Government of Jamaica.