KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness departed the island yesterday afternoon (Friday, November 1) for an eight day, official working visit to the People’s Republic of China. 

Holness will have a packed agenda, which will take him to four key cities in China including Shanghai, Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Beijing, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) said.

The official working visit is highlighted by bilateral discussions with President of China, Xi Jingping, municipal leaders, other public and private sector officials, investors and the members of the Jamaican community in China.

The Prime Minister and the Jamaican delegation will arrive in Shanghai tomorrow Sunday, November 3. 

Holness is scheduled to address the opening session of the China International Import Exposition and tour one of the world’s largest expos along with President Xi and Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, (MICAF) Audley Shaw, the OPM added.

Holness will also get a first hand view of China’s shipping and logistics operations during a tour of the Yangshan Port.

The prime minister will wrap up his official working visit on Saturday, November 9. 

Holness is accompanied by his wife Juliet; Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson Smith; President of JAMPRO, Diane Edwards; Shaw, and senior technocrats from MICAF and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Holness will return to the island on November 10.

Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang will be in charge of the Government during the period.