Chinese investors offer expertise to strengthen Ja’s construction industry
Published:Tuesday | February 4, 2025 | 12:05 AMJanet Silvera/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Chinese business operators have pledged to share their resources and expertise to enhance the island’s construction sector.
Yucheng Tao, CEO of Brothers Concepts and Solutions, the construction company building The Pinnacle in Montego Bay, announced plans to expand training opportunities by integrating more Jamaican engineers into the team.
“This isn’t just about building The Pinnacle; it’s about building Jamaica’s future construction expertise,” Tao told an audience of nearly 1,000 guests during the Chinese Spring Festival in Montego Bay on Sunday. The festival forms part of the Chinese New Year celebrations.
“We can teach everything – from basic construction skills to advanced engineering techniques,” he explained, emphasising that once trained, the Jamaicans will be able to apply these skills to various projects across the island. “This is how we create lasting change – by passing on knowledge that remains in Jamaica forever.”
Tao’s remarks resonated with the audience, which included Cabinet ministers Delroy Chuck and Marlene Malahoo Forte; State Minister Homer Davis; Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon; and Chen Daojiang, Chinese ambassador to Jamaica.
The Chinese have maintained strong ties with Jamaica for more than 170 years, and Tao envisions deepening this relationship.
Optimistic about the prospects of such a collaboration, he urged Jamaicans to think beyond traditional boundaries.
As the lead developer of The Pinnacle – a four-tower, 28-floor complex on the Bogue Peninsula, set to become the tallest buildings in the English-speaking Caribbean, Tao believes in leveraging new technology to improve lives, promote clean energy, and develop smart cities.
He is particularly convinced that Montego Bay, Jamaica’s tourism capital, can serve as a model for the world.
“With projects even bigger than The Pinnacle rising up, built by skilled Jamaican workers who merge Chinese technical expertise with their deep understanding of Jamaica’s needs, the possibilities are endless,” he said.
However, he cautioned that achieving this vision requires bold thinking and a willingness to embrace innovation.
“It means bringing together Chinese expertise and Jamaican talent to create something extraordinary,” he asserted.
Tao’s sentiments were reinforced by Shifu Huang, chief financial officer of LCH Developments, the group behind The Pinnacle. Huang referenced a Chinese proverb – “When everyone gathers wood, the flames rise higher” – illustrating how Jamaica and China can accomplish far more together than on their own.
Acknowledging Jamaica’s Vision 2030 development goals, which include job creation, business expansion, and a brighter future for young people, Huang expressed confidence that China could help bring these aspirations to life.
“Jamaica aims to build a modern economy by 2030. Look at how China has transformed its cities with technology. We can bring that knowledge here – enhancing Internet infrastructure, modernising transport systems, and making life easier for everyone,” he stated.
With logistics identified as a key pillar of Jamaica’s growth strategy, Huang highlighted China’s expertise in shipping and trade.
“This is what we do best,” he said, emphasising the potential for port expansions, improved road networks, and a Jamaica positioned as the logistics hub of Latin America and the Caribbean.
“This means more jobs, more business opportunities, and more money flowing into Jamaica,” Huang concluded.