Shaw hails Diplomatic Corps in Jamaica

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Audley Shaw, has hailed the fundamental role which he says diplomats continue to play in maintaining strong relations between Jamaica and the various countries they represent. He noted that the hosting of Diplomatic Week celebrations help to illustrate Jamaica’s gratitude for their continued support and valuable interactions.
“I do look forward to affirming the partnership between our respective nations as we move to embrace the global trend of trade ambassadorship through the diplomatic community. Diplomatic Week comes amid interesting times for Jamaica. Our local investment climate has seen much improvement with local businesses noting expectations for a rise in economic growth and heightened expectations for improvements in ¬financial prospects and profitability,” Minister Shaw stated.
The Minister made these comments on Wednesday, March 13, while addressing heads of diplomatic missions at the launch of the annual Diplomatic Week at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, as part of activities marking Diplomatic Week 2019, March 12 to 15, under the theme, ‘Building Partnerships for Sustainable Development’.

The Minister further stated that it was imperative partnerships toward sustainable development be created and cemented.
“Amid the developments in our business environment, we would like to enlist the support and involvement of the diplomatic community in supporting our thrust to attract greater levels of investments for Jamaica. The government’s thrust to improve agricultural infrastructure through our agro-parks and agro-economic zones is one such area for cooperation. This initiative is intended to provide an opportunity for investors to target the agriculture value chain at varying points to support vertical integration and the expansion of the sector as a pillar of economic growth,” added Minister Shaw.
During the week of activities, eight newly appointed Heads of Mission will present copies of their credentials to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, then to the Governor-General, His Excellency, the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen.

The new Heads of Mission are Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Turkey, Her Excellency Ayşe Berris Ekinci; Ambassador-designate of the Hellenic Republic, His Excellency Anastassios Petrovas; High Commissioner-designate for the United Republic of Tanzania, His Excellency Emmanuel J. Nchimbi; Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Korea, His Excellency Sang-il Kim; Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Kazakhstan, His Excellency Andrian Yelemessov; Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Portugal, His Excellency Carlos Amaro; High Commissioner-designate for Malaysia, His Excellency Dato’ Roslan Tan Sri Abdul Rahman; and High Commissioner-designate for the Republic of Botswana, His Excellency Collen Vixen Kelapile.
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