Jamaica is poised for even greater economic success, President Ram Nath Kovind said

India is willing to collaborate with Jamaica in order to develop the country's education and economic sectors, President Ram Nath Kovind said on Tuesday.

Addressing both Houses of Jamaica's Parliament in a joint session in Kingston, he said, "India is ready to partner with Jamaica and share its technical skills, knowledge and expertise which could transform Jamaica's education and businesses. Top Jamaican businesses already source software and take backroom technical support from technology companies based in India".

President Kovind, who is the first Indian head of state to visit the Carribbean country, said it was an honour for him to address the august assembly of leaders of Jamaica's thriving democracy as a representative of the world's largest democracy.

He said that our shared commitment to democracy and liberty brings us together, not just because of the Indian diaspora and cultural ties.

President Kovind pointed out that India’s founders built a modern nation that was built on the foundations of liberty, democracy, and equality, assuring us that we can continue to celebrate "Unity in Diversity," which is quite similar to Jamaica's slogan of "Out of many, one people."

According to the President, Jamaica is primed for even greater economic success because of its abundant natural resources, strategic position, young population, and energetic leadership.

Furthermore, he added that India and Jamaica are working together to reduce their carbon footprint through the International Solar Alliance.

He also mentioned that the railroads and agricultural sectors, which are among India's strengths, have a lot of potential for collaboration.

Later, he went on to applaud Jamaica’s dominance in the sports and entertainment fields.

President Kovind also attended a State Banquet hosted by Jamaica's Governor General Patrick Allen. In his address, he described trade and economic cooperation as "vital pillars of our friendship".

"We see our economies complementing each other, not just for trade, but also to transform our economies through the digital revolution. With its strategic position and skilled manpower, Jamaica has the potential to be the ‘knowledge highway’ in this region, catering to the needs of the large economies nearby. And in doing that, Jamaica will always find a willing partner in India," President Kovind noted.

"We must get our young minds to work jointly in several fields like Artificial Intelligence and Robotics,Jamaican traditional medicine and Ayurveda, and in building together a climate-smart world," he said.

The President will travel to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on the second phase of his two-nation visit.