I am honoured to convey, on behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica, heartiest congratulations to the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China on the 73rd Anniversary of your National Day.
The formal proclamation of the establishment of the People’s Republic of China was made on Saturday 1st October, 1949. Since then, China has progressed steadily from a mostly agrarian economy to an economic behemoth. China is the world’s most populous country, the second largest economy in the world, the largest manufacturing economy and the biggest exporter of goods globally. It is notable that China has demonstrated significant growth in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, fueled mainly by exports, industrial production and manufacturing. In this period, Beijing also earned the distinction of being the first City to host both the Summer and Winter Olympics, when it successfully held the latter in 2022.
The National Day celebrations commemorate the advancements of modern-day China, and also recognize the millennia-old civilization and culture that bequeathed strength, bravery and wisdom to this Asian Giant. Ancient China invented paper and the printing press, transforming education and society in ways which have remained integral and indispensable notwithstanding the evolution of the Internet and social media platforms. Tea, paper money, the umbrella, the mechanical clock, are just a few of the other inventions for which the world is indebted to China.
At the bilateral, regional and multilateral levels, Jamaica and China have developed an enduring partnership. Under its Belt and Road and other associated Initiatives, China has become a major source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Official Development Assistance (ODA). Jamaica, and indeed many other countries of the Global South have benefitted from the generosity and commitment of the Chinese Government in promoting the growth and advancement of the developing world. Together, we have articulated the needs and concerns of our peoples, especially within the framework of the Group of 77.
In a little over a month, on 21st November 2022, Jamaica and China will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. This anniversary, which will be fittingly recognized, presents us with a Golden opportunity to reflect on our special bond, which has been underpinned by shared goals, mutual respect and long-standing people-to-people connections.
The Strategic Partnership between Jamaica and China which was agreed in 2019, has also enabled targeted Chinese assistance in keeping with our priorities and needs. Consequently, China has been instrumental in supporting the attainment of Jamaica’s national development goals. I reiterate our appreciation for this support, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in the provision of vaccines, medical supplies, as well as two (2) mobile medical units, all worth many millions of Jamaican dollars. This year we were particularly delighted that work resumed on the much-needed China-aided Western Children’s and Adolescents Hospital on the grounds of the Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay. Following the formal opening of our new Headquarters earlier this year, we have also settled comfortably into our new home at Port Royal Street, thanks to the shared vision and unwavering support of our Chinese friends.
China has also been unswerving in its commitment to Jamaica’s youth, supporting opportunities for study both here in Jamaica, as well as in China. Our capacities in Health, Information Communication Technology (ICT), Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) have been enhanced because of China’s determination to support our learning in these critical areas.
We also continue to improve our infrastructural development with the strong support of the Chinese Government and businesses in several sectors and industries. We are truly appreciative of the demonstrated confidence in the Jamaica/China partnership.
Although I have highlighted the friendship that has been fostered since 1972, Jamaica’s relations with China extend much farther with the arrival of the first Chinese in 1854. The contribution of the many persons of Chinese descent to the building and development of Jamaica through their entrepreneurship, has been underpinned by determined excellence.
Jamaica joins with China in celebrating the special occasion of its National Day and I am so very pleased to extend best wishes for the peace, health and prosperity of our Chinese brothers and sisters. I also reiterate the high esteem of the Government and people of Jamaica for the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China.
Happy National Day 2022!