China rolled out the red carpet for visiting Jamaican Prime Minister Percival J. Patterson in Beijing Monday.  

Premier Wen Jiabao and Jamaica's Patterson witnessed the signing of four agreements, focusing on education, minerals and economic and technological cooperation.

Wen said China and Jamaica's decision in February to establish a friendly partnership of common development showed the commitment of both sides to strengthening bilateral relations, laying a solid foundation for future development.

He said Jamaica has become China's most important trade partner in the English-speaking Caribbean area and has created favorable conditions for bilateral trade by recognizing China's full market economy status.

Wen said the China-Caribbean economic and trade cooperation forum earlier this year had provided a platform for exchanges between entrepreneurs from China and the Caribbean area, adding further cooperation is expected in the fields of trade, agriculture, fisheries, minerals, tourism and human resources.

The Jamaican prime minister reiterated Jamaica's adherence to the one-China policy, saying his country is willing to reinforce cooperation with China in the fields of tourism, education and technology and is expecting to coordinate with China in international affairs.

Patterson's six-day visit to China will also take in Xi'an and Shanghai.

According to agreements signed in early June, Chinese tourist groups will be able to travel freely to Jamaica from July 15.

China Travel International Travel Ltd. is considering a package offer according to demand.

(China Daily June 21, 2005)