KINGSTON, August 31 - Jamaica is one of ten Caribbean countries to participate in the 11th staging of the China International Fair for Trade and Investment and the China International Trade Forum from September 6 – 10. In addition the 2nd China Caribbean Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum will also be on September 7 – 8.

The delegation will be made up of a public and private sector team focused on attracting investments and partnership in agriculture, logistics services, alternative energy and knowledge services.

President of Jamaica Trade and Invest (JTI/JAMPRO), Robert Gregory says “the mission forms part of a series of strategic initiatives which began in 2003; following which Jamaica hosted a China Caribbean Trade Fair in Kingston in 2005. Jamaica has since received approved destination status and we see this relationship as vital to Jamaica ’s development as a business destination.”

The President also noted that “the agency’s strategies for this mission will look at strengthening economic and technical cooperation and trade between China and Jamaica . In addition we will be putting on the table the advantages of Jamaica being used as a transshipment point/distribution hub for Chinese goods to America and the region.”

JTI and its private and public sector partners will participate in the Fair and Forum which features a business matchmaking symposium and seminars on tourism, agriculture and fisheries.

The private sector is represented by interests in shipping, logistics & warehousing services, agriculture and alternative energy; while the public sector representatives are from the Ministries of Agriculture, Tourism, Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade, Technology, Finance as well as the JTB, Port Authority, the JEA, RADA, JAS and representatives of the Media.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce will be assisting the Jamaican delegation in the identification of reputable Chinese Enterprises targeting manufacturing, mining, creative industries, agri business and ICT for investment promotion.

Some of the products scheduled to be on show, include Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee, Appleton Rum and Royal Jamaica Cigars.