China could offer a model for new manufacturing industries in Caribbean and Latin American countries, especially those that are heavily dependent on a fragile tourist industry for the bulk of its GDP.
Last week, Philip Miller, The Bahamas Head of Mission in Beijing, China, led a delegation of Latin American and Caribbean diplomats on a three-day tour of the Zhengzhou Yutong Group Co Ltd, a bus and heavy equipment manufacturing company.
Addressing the delegates and executives of the Yutong Bus Company, Mr Miller said, “We in Latin America and the Caribbean want to be an integral part of this global enterprise that has distinguished itself by competitive prices and high quality. This visit will help to spread the word throughout Latin America and the Caribbean that Yutong is a world-class facility and its buses are second to none.”
Both the Bahamas and The People’s Republic of China have pledged to strengthen bi-lateral relations. As part of the Memorandum of Understanding that the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce inked with the China Commerce Ministry last year, both sides agreed to lend technical assistance.
Mr Miller noted further that, “Of note is the strategy to export technology as was done in Cuba in 2005; the emphasis placed on science, technology and training; and the after-sale service programme.”
The Yutong Bus Company was described by Mr Miller as having high productive capacity, high standard and quality and an impressive global marketing strategy. Similarly, Prime Minister Perry Christie said earlier this year that China could transfer some of its impressive technical know-how to in new and existing industries in The Bahamas. Subsequently, he said The Bahamas could benefit from consultation from China.
Representatives from another company, Zhengzhou Yutong Heavy Industries Co Ltd, were also recognised by Mr Miller for its successful manufacture of tools and equipment used in the construction of roads, buildings, airports, bridges, docks and similar structures.
Mr Miller said, “These tools and equipment are essential for development. And in this regard, your company is playing a critical role in the development of China and indeed the entire developing world.
“We know that your company has more than 40 years experience in this business and this should bring you to the top of your field, as you commit to applying technology and good management practices to your enterprise.”
Benefits for The Bahamas and other countries in the region as a result of good relations with China were highlighted by Mr Miller. He indicated that the benefits included the possibility for joint ventures, a point included in the Memorandum of Understanding between the two nations. “The Latin American and Caribbean region has a lot to gain by partnering with you, in the first instance, in a purely trading relationship and later, possibly in joint ventures.”
Further Mr Miller said, “You can rest assured that we as representatives of our respective countries, today, will take a positive word back to our capitals, not only to our governments, but to the private sectors as well.
“We are grateful for your kind invitation and warm hospitality, and we look forward to visiting you again, perhaps with potential customers from our countries.”
China and The Bahamas celebrated their ninth anniversary of bi-lateral relations this week.
By: BARRY WILLIAMS, Guardian Business Reporter, The Nassau Guardian
