Office of the Prime Minister

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Prime Minister the Most Hon. P.J. Patterson

A Brazilian agriculturalist with specialization in the area of sugar and ethanol production will arrive in Jamaica during the course of this month to assist the Jamaican government with soil analysis and evaluation in an effort to identify new sugarcane varieties that may be introduced to the industry, in keeping with the direction of its diversification.

The decision was arrived at during bilateral talks between Prime Minister P.J. Patterson and President Lula da Silva in Brazil on Tuesday (Nov. 1). Prime Minister Patterson was on a one-day official visit to that country.

There was also an exchange of views with Brazilian investors who have expressed an interest in the local sugar industry and these are to be further explored. The possibility for financing of areas related to the diversification of the industry was also discussed during the course of the visit and will be further examined.

Meanwhile, a protocol of intent on Technical Cooperation in the Field of Fruit Processing Techniques has been signed between Jamaica and Brazil. In welcoming the agreement, Mr. Patterson said it would improve the application of technology in the agriculture sector and result in higher yields and productivity levels.

The protocol provides for mutual cooperation in the development of fruit processing techniques and allows for the establishment of partnership between both private and public sector entities. The programmes and projects under the agreement are to be implemented through Complementary Agreements that will be coordinated by the Ministry with responsibility for external affairs in each country.

Bilateral talks between Prime Minister Patterson and President Lula during the official visit focused on a range of issues of mutual interest especially those related to technical cooperation in the field of health, infrastructure and tourism development, trade and investment. Both leaders took note of the significance of developing direct air links between Jamaica and Brazil and the impact this would have on increasing cooperation in the area of tourism. In this regard, instructions have been given for the negotiation of a new air services agreement to be concluded between both countries within the next six months. A waiver of visa requirement for holders of official and diplomatic passport is also to be considered.

Mr. Patterson welcomed the offer of assistance from Brazil to help Jamaica and other Caribbean countries combat the HIV/AIDS pandemic and commended President Lula for the initiative announced by Brazil to help developing countries achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015.

Both leaders exchanged views on matters relating to the reform of the United Nations and its institutions including the Security Council and ECOSOC and agreed that a reformed UN should be more responsive to the needs of developing countries and ensure that their views and those of small island states are represented at the negotiating table.

Prime Minister Patterson said Jamaica looked forward to deepening its cooperation with Brazil and said that both countries should explore further, the possibilities for exchanges in the fields of culture, music and sports. He noted that Jamaica's participation in the World Cup Football in 1998 took place under the direction of a Brazilian coach and that Jamaica stood ready and to offer assistance to Brazil in training in the field of athletics.

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