Visit to Jamaica by Members of the House of Councillors
2023/8/10
On August 8 commencing at 9:30 a.m., Mr. SEKO Hiroshige, Secretary-General for the LDP in the House of Councillors of Japan, Former Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and 3 other members of the House of Councillors: Mr. SAKAI Yasuyuki, Mr.OHNO Yasutada and Mr.HORII Iwao paid a courtesy call on the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP, Prime Minister of Jamaica. Afterwards, commencing at 10:30 a.m., the delegation met with Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica. They also met with Senator The Honourable Thomas Tavares-Finson, President of the Senate at 11:15 a.m.
The overview of the series of meetings is as follows:
The overview of the series of meetings is as follows:
- They exchanged views on the bilateral relationship, including measures to expand trade and investment between the two countries. The establishment of an information sharing platform, based on both countries being island nations, was also discussed. They also exchanged opinions on various issues in the international arena such as peace and stability of the international community, as well as climate change. The Japanese delegation confirmed Japan’s commitment to promote cooperation not only bilaterally but also with CARICOM countries.
- The year 2024 is the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Jamaica as well as the “Japan-CARICOM Friendship Year”. Taking advantage of this year, both Jamaican and Japanese sides concurred to strengthen cooperation between the members of parliaments of both countries, such as a promotion of the JAPAN-CARICOM Parliamentary Friendship League and the establishment of Japan-Jamaica Parliamentary Friendship League.
Additionally, the delegation of the Members of the House of Councillors visited UCC Craighton Estates which is managed by Japanese company UCC (Ueshima Coffee Co., Ltd). The estates have the highest quality coffee in The Blue Mountains. They also visited the South Jamaica Power Center (SJPC), an affiliate of Marubeni Corporation. SJPC replaced an aging heavy oil-fired facility with the efficient gas-fired power plant, contributing to a reduction in emissions, enhanced energy security, and disaster preparedness.
