--Hon. Bruce Golding, Prime Minister of Jamaica

--Hon. Horace Chang, Minister of Water & Housing

--Hon. Christopher Tufton, Minister of Agriculture & Fisheries

--Hon. Othneil Damion St. Elmo Lawrence, Member of Parliament St.Ann North Western

--Mr. Gu Haitao, Vice President of China National Complete Plant Import & Export Corporation (Group)

--Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning,

I am delighted to attend today's groundbreaking ceremony for the St. Ann Cluster and Luana Gardens housing projects. First of all, my warm congratulations are extended to the Housing Agency of Jamaica Ltd., the owner of the projects, in association with Complant, the general contractor of the projects.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

China is always willing to share experience in development with other developing countries, and provide help as its capacity allows. For China, Jamaica has been and will continue to be our good friend, good partner and good brother with whom our friendship is sincere and trustworthy. The economical housing project is aimed at improving living conditions of Jamaican people, especially those with middle and lower income. The project will create five hundred opportunities of employment during the construction period.

China National Complete Plant Import & Export Corporation(Group), for the past 34 years, has organized and accomplished more than 1400 large and medium-sized complete plant projects in developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. As general contractor, it has won high praise from recipient nations and their people. Complant is no stranger to Jamaica. Its track record in Jamaica includes the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium, and is now undertaking the construction of Montego Bay Convention Centre. It has established close cooperative relationship with local business and accumulated rich experience. For this project, Complant has made a lot of preparations, that are detailed and thoughtful. I believe, its performance will be outstanding.

Dear friends,

I believe the economical housing project is not only a project, but also another bond of friendship between China and Jamaica. We will continue to provide sincere and selfless assistance to the social and development of Jamaica to the best of our ability. I firmly believe that the China-Jamaica Friendly Partnership for Common Development based on our everlasting friendship and shared interests will enjoy a better future, a future that benefits both the Jamaican people and the Chinese people.

Thank you!