Chinese multinational technology corporation Huawei is continuing its quest to digitise Jamaica with the opening of its new J$300-million office in St Andrew on Thursday (October 20).

The company was also celebrating its 15th anniversary since beginning operations in Jamaica in 2007 and has grown from 15 staff members to 50 staff members while providing ICT jobs for more than 300 persons in Jamaica.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who gave the keynote address at the opening, commended Huawei for its investment and commitment to helping Jamaica transition to a digital society.

Huawei has been essential to the Caribbean’s digital development and is the manufacturer of telecommunications equipment that Jamaica has used for its Long Term Evolution (LTE), otherwise known as 4G internet technology.

“It is a very positive display of confidence in Jamaica that a world leader in technological innovation to have taken the decision to put down strong roots in Jamaica,” said Holness.

“The investment will be of benefit to both Jamaica and the region. We welcome this investment and commend Huawei -and look forward to their continued growth in Jamaica and within the region,” he continued.

Holness also spoke about his intentions for Jamaica to become a digital society.

“I have not been advocating this because it sounds sexy -it’s because I truly believe that creating a digital society will ensure that Jamaica can prosper in the 21^st century economy, -we must move towards using technology to leverage our economic prosperity and that is what we mean when we say we are going to become a digital society.”

“Our productivity will improve, our efficiencies in both public and private sectors will increase, and we will be able to deliver faster, less stressful services to our citizens and customers by integrating technology,” he continued.

Chinese Ambassador to Jamaica Chen Daojiang, in his remarks, assured that China will continue carrying out practical operations in Jamaica and commended Huawei’s work in Jamaica. He believes that this new office is the ushering in of a new chapter of Jamaica’s ICT development.

This year is also the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Jamaica.

Said Chen: “In July this year, the China-Caribbean Development Centre was established in Shandong province (China), a major economic and cultural, coastal province with strong industries. – China would also provide support to [their] Jamaican friends, the Western Children’s Hospital, China-aid office equipment and airport security scanners project as well as the Coach Technical Training Project are moving forward in an orderly pace.”

CEO of Huawei Technologies Bo Zhou, in his vote of thanks, said: “Over the past 15 years we have been growing up together and we attribute the success of Huawei Jamaica to the trust and support of all of you. Especially I thank the Government of Jamaica for providing a mutual and open business environment which encourages us- as the old Chinese saying goes, ‘if you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, then go together’.”

READ: Ambassador Chen Daojiang | ICT, STEM key to Jamaica re-igniting for greatness