Many Jamaicans have criticized the deepening relationship with China because it’s seen as anti-USA and because the Chinese have been proven to be untrustworthy. I agree that we need to be wary in our approach, but they are the only foreign country with the financial clout that has stepped forward to invest their money in Jamaica in a major way to unlock its potential. I ask, name me one school or hospital that the USA has built in Jamaica since our long relationship with them since our independence?
Holness talks up deepening relationship with Chinese as more investments, exports set to flow
Prime Minister Andrew Holness yesterday revealed that the Chinese government has indicated an interest in rolling out major investments in the Caymanas Economic Zone.
Addressing Parliament last night, Holness said that his working visit to China earlier this month was an “eye-opening” experience.
“There are issues obviously because we have to figure out how we are going approach this. Are we going to treat it on a sole source or do we treat it as a strategic investment, or do we put out open tender? … Decisions [are] to be made,” Holness said, promising to update Parliament with further details as the Government moves ahead with its development plan.
“The strategic partnership positions Jamaica to pursue development cooperation with China in keeping with our own clearly defined national development strategic priorities on the basis of mutual respect and shared benefits,” the prime minister said.
Holness re-emphasised yesterday that Jamaica will not negotiate any new loan programmes with China as it seeks to reduce the country’s debt.
“Infrastructure projects will, therefore, take the modalities of joint-venture partnership, public-private partnership or private-sector partnerships directly between Jamaican firms and Chinese firms,” he said.
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/l...p-chinese-more
Holness talks up deepening relationship with Chinese as more investments, exports set to flow
Prime Minister Andrew Holness yesterday revealed that the Chinese government has indicated an interest in rolling out major investments in the Caymanas Economic Zone.
Addressing Parliament last night, Holness said that his working visit to China earlier this month was an “eye-opening” experience.
“There are issues obviously because we have to figure out how we are going approach this. Are we going to treat it on a sole source or do we treat it as a strategic investment, or do we put out open tender? … Decisions [are] to be made,” Holness said, promising to update Parliament with further details as the Government moves ahead with its development plan.
“The strategic partnership positions Jamaica to pursue development cooperation with China in keeping with our own clearly defined national development strategic priorities on the basis of mutual respect and shared benefits,” the prime minister said.
Holness re-emphasised yesterday that Jamaica will not negotiate any new loan programmes with China as it seeks to reduce the country’s debt.
“Infrastructure projects will, therefore, take the modalities of joint-venture partnership, public-private partnership or private-sector partnerships directly between Jamaican firms and Chinese firms,” he said.
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/l...p-chinese-more
Comment