outline of the speech (for more speech info,please feel free to contact us):

Urbanization and International Investment
Presenter: Hon. Colin Fagan; Member of Parliament, Minister of State
Areas of Focus
1. Perspectives from a small-island developing state (JAMAICA)
2. Phenomenon of Urbanization
3. Profile of a small island developing state, Jamaica island states
4. Implications/Triggers of Urbanization
5. Impacts of urbanization in Jamaica
6. Response to urbanization in Jamaica
Areas of Focus
7. Specific Actions in Response to Urbanization in Jamaica
8. Reform and Preparation of the local environment
9. Social Enterprises for meeting developmental needs
10. Maximizing efficiency and effectiveness
11. Funding Sustainable Development Initiatives
12. Thrust towards International Investments
Urbanization and International Investment
Perspectives from a small island developing state: Jamaica
China-Jamaica Relations
Definition of Urbanization
Urbanization describes the development of towns and cities to become major centres of population, as people move from rural to urban areas
(National Environment and Planning Agency, Jamaica: http://www.nepa.gov.jm/neec/resource_centre/pulications/lifeline/lifelinebook/ex4.pdf)
Phenomenon of Urbanization
§  A global phenomenon
§  All states experience urbanization and must respond
§  Response has to be within context of specific environment – size, resources, economic profile, etc.
§  Small island developing states are more vulnerable due to limited resources and response strategies
Profile of JAMAICA AS  a developing State
§  Small size and populations with limited resources
§  Exposure to global environmental challenges
§  Economic vulnerability to natural disasters
§  Loss of traditional markets through globalization
§  Major dependence on export of primary commodities and tourism
§  Vulnerability to external (demand and supply-side) shocks
Implications/Triggers of Urbanization
§  Skewed/not balanced development often caused by centrally directed investment planning
§  Scarcity of jobs except in agriculture where most people consider, laborious to be low-paying, risky and menial
§  Lack of proper infrastructure:  housing, garbage disposal and collection etc.
§  Poor social facilities: education, health, security etc.
§  Limited/inappropriate recreational, entertainment and sports opportunities and facilities
Impacts of Urbanization in Jamaica
§  Inappropriate and haphazard development - Does not incorporate contemporary technologies and practices
§  Inadequate basic services