MORE than 300 students in St Ann benefitted from a back-to-school treat hosted by the Chinese firm Complant last Sunday.

The firm's donation, valued at $1.2 million, included schoolbags containing reading books.

Students and their parents turned up to the event, held at Discovery Bay All-Age School, which was attended by Complant representatives, including vice-president Qu Wenge and other officials, such as Liu Lei, counsellor at the Chinese Embassy, Deputy Mayor of St Ann's Bay Delroy Roadway and Councillor Arthur Clemetson.

Complant is currently undertaking the Jamaica Economic Housing Projects in Belle Air and Mount Edgecombe in Runaway Bay, St Ann as well as Luana Gardens in St Elizabeth.

"This will be a regular activity for Complant so it will not be a one shot. We want to establish a partnership with the people of Jamaica," said the Complant vice-president, speaking through project manager Adam Yang, who acted as interpreter.

Lei was happy with the company's move to foster an alliance with the St Ann communities in which they are carrying out a major project.

"It is so meaningful for Chinese companies to take responsibility in Jamaican society. They take social responsibility by serving the community and the country in whatever way possible," he said. "As an official of the Chinese Embassy in Jamaica, I am so proud of what Complant has done here today and done in the past."

The St Ann's Bay deputy mayor noted his gratitude to the Chinese firm.

"The partnership, which is developing with Complant is not out of accident, but more out of a necessity... On our own, we cannot do it and we cling to the help of our partners," Roadway said.