Jamaica will be intensifying its effort to expand its presence in Brazil and South Africa, by opening missions in those countries this fiscal year.

This was announced yesterday (July 26), by Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, K.D. Knight, during his contribution to the 2005/06 Sectoral Debate in the House.

Mr. Knight said this formed part of the Ministry’s continued thrust to expand ties with traditional partners and to explore initiatives, as it sought to expand the pool of benefits available to the country and respond to global requirements and the need to further advance Jamaica’s interests.

During this year, Jamaica deepened its ties with trading partner China, with the opening of its first Embassy in the Republic this month.

Mr. Knight said the Ministry would continue to provide a range of consular services for Jamaicans and foreign nationals, while continuing to play its part in enhancing Jamaica’s image in the international community. Furthermore, he said efforts to engage the Jamaican Diaspora in the affairs of the country would continue, with priority being given to strengthening relationships and dialogue.

Plans are also afoot to review the arrangements regarding the Jamaica Honorary Consular network, in addition to taking steps to achieve a specialized cadre of Protocol Officers within the Ministry. A major objective under the Ministry’s Public Consular and Protocol Services is the development of an integrated state protocol capacity, which is geared at achieving higher levels of effectiveness.