Prime Minister Andrew Holness said Jamaica is not being overrun by Chinese interests.

He gave the assurance while speaking at this morning’s opening ceremony for the May Pen to Williamsfield leg of Highway 2000.

The project was funded through a loan provided by the Chinese Government and contracted to the China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC).

Mr. Holness explained that Jamaica’s debt to China is approximately 4.5 per cent of its total debt to international partners.

Noting that over 600 Jamaicans were employed to the highway project, Mr. Holness asserted that Jamaica is not engaged in an exploitative partnership with China.

He added that CHEC will have to adhere to a two-year defect liability agreement regarding the highway.