KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) President, Kathryn Silvera, has expressed optimism that the ongoing official visit of the Republic of South Africa’s Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes, will pave the way for closer commercial ties between the two nations.

“May your visit strengthen the bonds between our two proud nations, and may it plant the seeds of commercial partnerships that will benefit the people of Jamaica and South Africa for years to come,” she told Botes during a high-level ministerial luncheon on Wednesday.

The luncheon was hosted by Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator Aubyn Hill, at the AC Hotel by Marriott Kingston. Botes is visiting from August 4 to 8.