Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao pledged Wednesday to continue China's support to Jamaica's economic development, saying the two sides should expand cooperation in infrastructure construction, mining and tourism.

Wen made the remarks when meeting with his Jamaican counterpart Bruce Golding.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) shakes hands with Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 3, 2010. [Pang Xinglei/Xinhua]

"As the international financial crisis has posed severe impact on China and the Caribbean states, we should help each other, enhance cooperation, and jointly cope with challenges so as to consistently boost our friendly ties," Wen said.

China's trade with Jamaica slipped by some 30 percent to 219 million U.S. dollars last year. However, China's imports from Jamaica nearly tripled year on year, according to Chinese custom figures.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (front R) holds a welcoming ceremony for visiting Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding (front L) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 3, 2010. [Li Xueren/Xinhua]

He called on the two sides to bolster cooperation in infrastructure construction, mining industry and tourism, and said China is ready to support more cultural, educational and sports exchanges with Jamaica.