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Statement
By
Prime Minister
Rt. Hon. P .J. Patterson
To Parliament
On Visit to Far East
November 10, 1998
Madam Speaker. You will recall that on September 29, 1998. I advised this
Honourable House of my proposed official visit to China and Japan in
response to prior invitations from the Leaders of both countries.
Today Madam Speaker I have the honour to report to this Honourable House
the outcome of these visits which I believe will yield considerably benefits
to our country's social and economic development programmes.
Both China and Japan exert considerably global influence -
• China as a permanent member of the Security Council with 25% of
the world's population.
• China's leaders reiterated their firm support for Jamaica's Security
Council candidature for the period 2000-2001
• We signed the China China/Jamaica Framework agreement for l00M
Yuan Loans. (J$ ) to be utilized in improving the Kingston
Metropolitan Area Water Supply System. It will enable us to procure
equipment and supplies made in China. The loan will be for a period
of - years, with an annual interest rate of 4%.
Additionally, Premier Zhu Rhongn and myself, agreed that a number of high
level technical missions from China, would visit Jamaica over the next few
months to explore potential areas for investment and co-operation.
A joint cooperation agreement was signed between JAMPRO and the
Shanghai International Chamber of Commerce to promote Trade and
Investment.
UWI LIBRARIES
In this regard, a Chinese technical team will visit to further explore this
initiative.
While in China, I addressed an investment seminar attended by 100 business
executives of leading corporations, on Jamaica's attractiveness as an offshore
investment location.
B. Japan
Extensive discussions were held on the urgent need for a re-examination of
the KMA water project and the OECF will send a technical mission to
Jamaica later this month, to evaluate the data and recommend to Japan on
how best to collaborate with Jamaica as partners in the KMA project.
We initiated discussions on possible Japanese participation in the
privatization of the Petrojam Refinery, to facilitate the phasing out of leaded
gasoline by the year 2002.
Additionally, we had discussions regarding private sector involvement in
new generating capacity to satisfy projected increased demand for electricity
in the period 2003-2010
We held discussions with two major Japanese shipping conglomerates
regarding possible utilization of the Kingston Transshipment Port and those
discussions are to be followed up with a planned visit by representatives of
one of those companies.
TheJ apanese Prime Minister extended an invitation for ten young Jamaican
graduates to pay study visits to Japan early next year and the Japanese
International Co-operation Agency will increase the numbers of its
volunteers and experts in Jamaica.
Regarding bilateral issues of particular interests to Jamaica, Japan has agreed
to consider supporting Jamaica's candidature for election to the Security
Council for the period 2000/2001.
In Tokyo I had yet another opportunity to expose a large group of Japanese
businessmen to Jamaica's current economic programme and our investment
attributes.
UWI LIBRARIES
There were expressions of interest by Chinese firms to establish apparel and
other light industrial assembly plants in our two Free-zones.
• Japan as an economic powerhouse and a significant source of country
lending for international development programmes.
The visits provided excellent opportunities to review at the highest levels,
bilateral relations and explore avenues for enhancement particularly in the
areas of trade, investment, tourism, economic and technical co-operation.
We were able to exchange views on a range of international issues of interest
to our respective Governments.
In both countries, the reception was a positive demonstration of the
importance attached to their relations with Jamaica and of their policy and
willingness to work with Jamaican authorities to strengthen those relations
and support Jamaica's development.
There was a ready acknowledgement of Jamaica's role in the Caribbean and
among developing countries as a whole and our meaningful contribution in
the international arena.
JAMPRO also signed a four-year agreement with the China Council for
Promotion of International Trade to support trade missions from both
countries and to explore investment opportunities.
We also reached an agreement for a Chinese team to visit Jamaica to
evaluate the Control Polyester plant in Old Harbour, with a view to its recapitalisation
and refurbishing on the basis of joint venture.
Fruitful and encouraging discussions were held with the Chinese authorities
regarding involvement I power generations and a team will visit in
November to continue those discussions.
Additionally, a team will also visit next January to explore the possibilities
for alumina purchases to meet planned expansion in China's aluminum
industry.
We will receive assistance from China in the development of a viable craft
industry, capable of producing adequate quantities of souvenirs for the
country's tourist industry.
UWI LIBRARIES
Madam speaker, at the political level, we inaugurated a joint Japan Jamaica
Parliamentary friendship association and had wide ranging discussions about
closer Japan, Jamaica and CARICOM relations.
It has been agreed that co-operation between both Parliaments will be
enhanced, beginning with a visit to Jamaica by the Jamaica/Japan
Parliamentary Friendship League early 1999.
Madam Speaker in addition to the concrete outcomes which I have outlined,
these two visits allowed Jamaica to sow seeds of mutual co-operation and
understanding which will rebound to Jamaica's benefit and for future
generations of our people.
I am confident that they constitute timely steps in strengthening the close
and fraternal relationship between Jamaica and both friendly nations.
UWI LIBRARIES
