Local businesses must be central to Ja–China ties, says Seiveright

MONTEGO BAY, St James — State minister in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce Delano Seiveright has called for stronger, more intentional partnerships between Jamaican companies and international investors, insisting that Jamaica–China cooperation must translate into deeper local business linkages, jobs, skills transfer and long-term value creation.

“True partnership is not dependency. It is shared progress, grounded in respect, clarity and outcomes,” Seiveright declared.

He was speaking Sunday night during the Spring Festival 2026 – Year of the Horse celebration in Montego Bay, which drew an estimated 2,000 attendees including Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness; Wang Jinfeng, ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Jamaica; Mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon along with several government ministers and senior officials.

“As Jamaica deepens its international relationships, local enterprises must be at the centre of value creation, through stronger business-to-business linkages, local procurement, skills development and sustainable commercial outcomes,” Seiveright added.

The state minister highlighted the evolving Jamaica–China partnership across areas including infrastructure, health, tourism and private-sector investment, noting that strategic projects have strengthened connectivity, expanded Jamaica’s capacity to host high-value business and tourism activity, and improved long-term social outcomes.

He also pointed to the growing footprint of Chinese private-sector investment in construction, hospitality and real estate — including large-scale developments such as The Pinnacle in Montego Bay — which he said signal rising confidence in Jamaica as a destination for long-term, world-class investment with strong spillover effects for local supply chains and employment.

Seiveright noted visible shifts in Jamaica’s consumer and transport landscape, citing the increasing presence of Chinese-manufactured vehicles on local roads. He pointed to BYD, Jaecoo, Omoda, Jetour, and GWM as examples of expanding commercial engagement between Jamaica and China.

He publicly acknowledged Jamaican companies that partnered in the staging and support of the Spring Festival event, including National Bakery, Arc Manufacturing, Mayberry Group, ATL Automotive, Rainforest, Chukka Caribbean Adventures and Pier One, and encouraged international partners to pursue stronger, structured partnerships with established Jamaican firms.

The state minister also highlighted Yangsen Li, chairman of Spring Festival 2026, and recognised the role of LCH Group, which Li co-leads along with the wider LCH team, for their contributions to strengthening Jamaica–China business linkages and supporting the staging of the event.

Seiveright said the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce remains focused on strengthening Jamaica’s investment climate while ensuring that international cooperation delivers tangible benefits for Jamaicans through employment, local enterprise growth, skills transfer and sustainable value creation.

He welcomed increasing interest among Jamaicans in engaging China directly through trade, travel, education and commercial partnerships, describing this outward-looking approach as essential to expanding Jamaica’s global economic footprint.

Seiveright expressed optimism that the Year of the Horse will bring renewed momentum for commercially smart, mutually beneficial partnerships that deliver real outcomes for Jamaica.

Source: Jamaica Observer