Robert Hart, Assistant News Editor
Senior scientist Jian Lin (left), explains the work carried out by his team on the Chinese research vessel Dayang Yihao, to Robert Pickersgill (centre), Minister of Transport and Works, while ship captain Lu Huisheng (second left),
and Chinese Ambassador Zhao Zhenyu look on. Mr. Pickersgill and Ambassador Zhao were visiting the vessel which docked at the Kingston Wharves on Wednesday. - CARLINGTON WILMOT/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
CHINA'S TOP research vessel, the Dayang Yihao (Ocean No. 1), docked in Jamaica Wednesday morning after completing the Pacific Ocean-leg of that nation's first ever round-the-world oceanic research mission.
Along with the visit of the research vessel, the State Oceanic Administration of China is in the island to pursue bilateral talks with both Government and private sector officials.
"We are cognisant of the benefits that Jamaica could derive from the visits through the placement of Jamaican marine scientists in Chinese Marine research programmes and assistance with the construction of a beacon on South West Rock," said Robert Pickersgill, Minister of Transport and Works, during a short welcoming ceremony in the meeting room of the vessel.
The ship and its crew were greeted by Chinese Ambassador to Jamaica Zhao Zhenyu, as well as a Jamaican delegation headed by Mr. Pickersgill.
STRENGTHENING THE TIES
During the welcoming ceremony Ambassador Zhao said he believed the vessel's visit would strengthen the friendship between Jamaica and China. The two nations are arguable now enjoying their strongest ties since diplomatic relations were established in 1972.
"I believe this cruise will make more contributions to help us know the deep sea better and to use its resources more effectively," the Chinese Ambassador said.
The Dayang Yihao launched its current mission in April, to search the seas for new forms of life and survey deep sea minerals.
The research vessel also successfully recovered measuring instruments, which had been in the deep sea for the past two years, and fulfilled its tasks under a contract signed with the International Seabed Authority, based in Jamaica.
Minister Pickersgill said Jamaica was pleased to be a part of the vessel's journey, and that he was confident it would not "leave our shores empty handed and that the biological research would redound to the benefit of humankind".
Before touring the vessel the Transport Minister also took the opportunity to reiterate the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ)'s joint commitment, with the Chinese Ocean Shipping Company, to develop a new transhipment port and commercial Free Zone/Logistics distribution hub facilities in the island.
"In this respect the PAJ is seeking to expand Jamaica's port facilities and to establish Jamaica as a distribution hub for the export of Chinese goods to the Americas," he said.
Yesterday a public tour of the research vessel was conducted. During that time specially invited members of various organisations, including the local Chinese community, viewed its facilities.
