Jamaica joins the People's Republic of China in welcoming all participants and visitors, in particular our specially invited Caribbean partners, to the website of the First China-Caribbean Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum and Trade Fair.

We are honoured to host this inaugural event which will undoubtedly serve to strengthen trade and economic ties, as well as enhance technical cooperation between the People's Republic of China and the countries of the Caribbean with which it has diplomatic relations. We also regard this event as an opportunity for the development of closer trade and economic relations between Jamaica and other Caribbean countries.

We are aware of the great progress that the People's Republic of China has made over the last few years, and of the commitment by the Chinese Government to support the efforts of other developing countries, including those in the Caribbean, to attain their full potential.

We are convinced that through joint efforts such as this China-Caribbean Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum, the countries of the region along with our international partners will achieve greater socio economic development and improved well-being for our citizens.

Jamaica and the People's Republic of China have, over the past thirty-two years, developed a close and mutually beneficial multifaceted relationship, which will be further enhanced by the opening of a Jamaican Embassy in Beijing in the near future. Jamaica is already China's largest trading partner in the CARICOM region, and we are actively exploring opportunities for deeper cooperation in this and a number of other areas of common interest.

We are proud of our collaboration in the organisation of this Forum, and we hope that you will find the content of this site informative, and a stimulus to participation.

K D Knight
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
Jamaica

　　Although separated far apart, China and Caribbean countries enjoy a time-honored friendship. As members of the developing community, we understand and support each other and share many common interests and concerns.

　　Since the visit of Madam Wu Yi, Vice Premier of China, to the eight English-speaking Caribbean countries that have already established diplomatic relations with China, we have seen greater and deeper exchanges and cooperation between China and the Caribbean region in economy and trade. The same holds true for our exchange of personnel. China and Caribbean countries have been working arduously toward the common aspiration of increasing mutual understanding and expanding economic and trade cooperation. The first session of the "China-Caribbean Economic and Trade Forum" scheduled for February 2005 in Kingston, capital city of Jamaica under the auspices of the Chinese and Jamaican governments will be a memorable episode in our economic and trade history. Taking the theme of "promoting cooperation and common development', the forum will serve as an excellent platform for senior government officials, business leaders and representatives from regional organizations of both sides to discuss and lay out blueprints for our future cooperation in such fields as trade, agriculture, tourism, fishery, telecoms and finance. I believe it will become another milestone in the China-Caribbean economic and trade history. It will give a strong impetus to our exchanges and cooperation in a number of areas and generate benefits for both Chinese and Caribbean people.

　　I hope you could all keep a close eye on this event. Whoever wants to be part of the China-Caribbean economic and trade picture is welcome to participate in this forum. I believe the gathering in Kingston will bring you more business opportunities.

　　I wish the "China-Caribbean Economic and Trade Forum" a complete success!