Kennedy

Laura Redpath, Sunday Gleaner Writer

IN LIGHT Of Jamaica's doing well at the Beijing Olympics and China's steady rise to world dominance, Jamaica is looking towards strengthening its relationship, economically and culturally, with the Asian country.

Winston Look Kin, president of the Chinese Benevolent Association, says there has always been a "good relationship" between Jamaica and China. This stems a lot, he said, from Chinese Jamaicans identifying with their ancestry as well as from investment opportunities.

"We're looking forward to greater involvement in investment," Look Kin said.

Look Kin also says Jamaica is becoming a favourite destination spot for Chinese nationals and there has always been cultural exchange. Both of these elements, along with bauxite exportation and the railway's promising future, should encourage the bond.

"In the months ahead, Jamaica should start to see more tourists. With China getting more powerful, Jamaica's relationship with China should become stronger."

Marjorie Kennedy, president of the Jamaica Exporters' Association; Kirk Kennedy, executive director of investment promotions at Jamaica Trade and Invest (JTI); and, Lisa Bell, deputy president of JTI, said they were trying to encourage Jamaica's market on the Chinese scene.

Intellectual property

"We have to find a way here to start putting patents on our stuff," Kirk Kennedy said.

According to Bell, there is no doubt in her mind there would be T-shirts with Bolt's face on them.

"There will be no intellectual property going to him or to Jamaica."

As for the next step, Jamaica's marketers are thinking ahead.

"The next step is to get our businessmen aligned to that kind of potential so that when the Chinese market comes knocking on our door, we are ready to respond," Bell said.