Port of Kingston poised for great things

Nedburn Thaffe, Gleaner Writer

Chairman of China Communication Construction Company (CCCC), Zhou Jichang, said Jamaica's location will allow it to reap significant benefits in the area of shipping commerce.

Jichang, who was speaking on Friday night, a day before his company signed on to a major agreement with the Jamaican government, singled out the port of Kingston as one of the areas poised for great things upon the completed expansion of the Panama canal.

"Kingston Port, gifted with the natural deep water, has not only sound condition but also competitive advantages provided by the unique geography of Jamaica.

"After the expansion of the Panama Canal, more and more goods will be delivered to the Caribbean and North America. At that time, Kingston will play a significant role in intreport trade, enhancing its regional advantage," Jichang told persons who were present at a reception ceremony held at Devon House for members of CCCC visiting delegation.

Deeper relationship

The chairman of the Fortune 500 company, while highlighting the different works that his company has embarked on in Jamaica, expressed hope of a continued and deeper relationship between CCCC and the Jamaican Government.

"No matter how far we are apart, we'd like to become friends with Jamaican people as long as we are sincere and frank to each other. I have already felt this friendship and deeply amicable relationship between our two peoples during my visit here," Jichang said.

On Saturday, the Government and CCCC signed a memorandum of understanding which should result in several infrastructural projects getting under way in the near future. Under the agreement the company will identify and propose projects for the modernisation, enhancement and development of Jamaica's infrastructure.

China Communication Construc-tion Company is the parent company of China Harbour Engineering Company, which has responsibility for the implementation of the US$400-million Jamaica Develop-ment Infrastructure Project.