PowerChina eyes increased footprint in the Caribbean

Editor's note: The article is written by Gavin Riley, an editor, senior journalist and commentator for Our Today in Kingston, Jamaica. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

He Yuxin, executive vice president of international construction group PowerChina, says talks with the Jamaican Government are "far-advanced" in establishing a footprint in the country and the wider Caribbean.

He, responding to questions posed by Our Today during a recent press briefing at PowerChina's Beijing headquarters, expressed optimism in the future of new energy projects in Jamaica - in hopes of streamlining a carbon-neutral agenda across the island and greatly aiding national energy security efforts.

“Jamaica is the first Caribbean country where we established [a] representative office. In recent years, we have attached more importance to new energy developments in Jamaica and have gained meaningful progress so far,” He told Our Today.

“Since 2009, we have been pursuing projects such as Harmony Cove Hotel [and the] Mahogany Vale Hydropower Project, which are seemingly becoming more feasible under the Belt and Road Initiative,” continued the senior executive.

Ranked number one among the "Top 150 Global Design Firms" by respected New York-based publication Engineering News-Record, PowerChina is an integrated conglomerate specializing in investment and financing, engineering construction, planning design, equipment manufacturing and operation management for green and low-carbon energy, water resources, environmental construction and infrastructure.

Having set up an enviable presence across Latin America – from Mexico, Cuba and the Dominican Republic in the north to Argentina in the south – He said that PowerChina is making concrete steps to establish themselves in the English-speaking Caribbean. 

Its Americas sub-region subsidiary, headquartered in Panama, has been a leader in clean, low-energy production solutions and one of the largest companies specializing in hydropower, thermoelectric power, photovoltaic energy, transportation infrastructure, water plants, mining and affordable housing.

The company first visited the Caribbean on a multi-island tour in 2013 and has previously executed medium-scale ventures in Belize, Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad.

“As for the Caribbean, we have restructured our strategy since the end of last year. Now, an executive vice president of PowerChina Americas is specifically assigned to be responsible for overall management of overseas business in the sub-region, and more resources will be deployed there. We believe you will hear more and more good news about the region from PowerChina,” the senior executive said.