Wayne McCook (right), Jamaica's ambassador-designate to the Republic of China, discusses business opportunities between Jamaica and China at last week's meeting, held at the offices of the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ) in Newport West, Kingston. Beside him is Trevor Riley, general manager of the SAJ. - CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
MEMBERS OF the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ) expressed support for the establishment of Jamaica's first embassy in the People's Republic of China at a recent meeting with Ambassador-designate Wayne McCook.
The ambassador-designate to China met with members of the SAJ at its Newport West offices last week to discuss the possibilities that are currently being pursued or explored in the area of business relations with Chinese enterprises.
Mr. McCook told the meeting that in preparation for the opening of Jamaica's first embassy in China next month, he was having discussions with various private sector groups. He said that these meetings are seeking to identify areas of focus and to exchange views on how the embassy might best assist Jamaican companies in their efforts to develop beneficial and sustainable business relationships with Chinese counterparts.
OUTLINE
In giving a brief outline of what will be the diplomatic, commercial, cultural and consular functions of the newest embassy, Mr. McCook focused on commercial opportunities with the country that has become 'the world's factory'.
"China is the world's fastest growing maritime nation," Mr. McCook said, adding that the Port of Kingston has already established itself as a leading port in the region, and was well-positioned to benefit from China's growing trade relations with the Americas.
In response to Mr. McCook's presentation, members of the SAJ offered their support for the strengthening of relations with China, noting that the local shipping industry had already forged beneficial partnerships with that country. SAJ members also expressed their desire to work with other local business sectors to create synergies that will enable Jamaica's private sector to make the best use of opportunities emanating from closer relations with China.
The meeting was chaired by Trevor Riley, general manager of the SAJ, who expressed the association's appreciation for the initiative being taken by Mr. McCook in meeting with various stakeholder groups before taking up his diplomatic post in China.
