PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA UNOFFICAL CALL
ON THE TURKS AND CAICOS GOVERNMENT

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands; Friday, January 18th, 2008 - Two delegates from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China, based in Nassau, Bahamas - made an unofficial courtesy call on Hon. Galmo Williams, Minister of Home Affairs and Public Safety.
 
Meeting at the Minister's Office in Providenciales, Mr. Luo Xiaoging, Second Secretary and Mr. Guo Xin, Attaché - were here to commence an open line of communication with the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, with regard to doing business with China.
 
Present at this meeting were officials from the Department of Immigration, Labour Commissioner's Office, along with the Minister's Senior Legal Advisor, Hon. Donahue Gardiner.
 
The talks covered, centered on how to create and promote economic trade cooperation between both countries; import and exportation of goods and services investment opportunities; training, and importantly - skilled workers from China, living and working in our country.
 
Mr. Xiaoqing said they very concerned as to the events of September 2007, when Chinese workers at a local resort downed their tools after being made aware that they were working below minimum wage, and commenced striking.
 
For this situation not to rear its head once more, it is imperative that hiring practises of companies and agreements made were looked into before arrival, ensuring that persons from China, or elsewhere - were not disenfranchised. "We want to solve this problem and we wish such a problem never happens again", said Mr. Xiaoqing.
 
Hon. Williams informed them that these matters were being dealt with, and that companies operating in the TCI that hire bulk staff, must make known in their contract agreements that they are sticking this country's letter of the law in every way, shape and form, and that his government is doing all it can stop unscrupulous and illegal behaviour.
 
The talks were interesting and productive said the Hon. Minister of Home Affairs, and it is his hope that they continue for the betterment of all concerned. To that end, he welcomed the delegates to the TCI and wished them a successful trip, as they are here until Sunday, 20th January.
END

Courtney S. Robinson
Director, GIS
Office of the Premier,
Grand Turk,
Turks and Caicos Islands.
Tel: (649) 946-2801, ext.40916
Fax: (649) 946-1311
Email: c.robinson@gov.tc