Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining Phillip Paulwell is projecting that 'significant benefits' will flow to Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, arising out of the meeting of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) held in Beijing, China, January 8 to 9.

The inaugural ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum is considered an important event in the relations between China and Latin America and the Caribbean, and Paulwell believes that crucial discussions were held which covered very important issues, and this will bear fruit in the short, medium and long term.

Speaking with JIS News on route to Jamaica, after his participation in the two-day meeting, Minister Paulwell said several important Chinese business entities were represented at the forum and "mutual understandings were arrived at.

"Some significant developments have taken place. I can't speak specifically about them (now), but over time, you will see some specific activities emerging out of the bilateral discussions we were able to achieve," he told JIS News.

investments outside

Minister Paulwell also pointed out that Jamaica's leadership role in the Caribbean was highlighted and recognised by the Chinese at the meeting. The island was also hailed as a stellar example of Chinese investments outside of its own country.

"There are significant projects taking place now in Jamaica, and Jamaica is appreciated. The truth is, in the region, we are seen as the (shining) example of Chinese investments. Even though we are leading now, we anticipate that the entire region will get a taste of Chinese entrepreneurship," he said.

Minister Paulwell noted that effort was made by him to express Jamaica's full appreciation and confidence of the Chinese government's investment in the island. He added that other countries in the Caribbean region are examining and looking to see how they can learn from the relationship model that has been established between Jamaica and China.

The meeting was attended by 33 ministers of government of all CELAC member states and top members of the government of China.