PRIME Minister Perry Christie will represent the Caribbean community in China this week as part of his first official duty as chairman of CARICOM.

Mr Christie became CARICOM chairman on January 1 and will represent the region at the China/CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean countries) meetings in Beijing on Thursday and Friday.

Mr Christie will deliver a statement on behalf of CARICOM and is scheduled to meet with the president and premier of China for discussions on regional issues, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The statement said the visit will also provide an opportunity to discuss bilateral relations with China, including areas of technical cooperation, maritime issues and a possible air services agreement.

The prime minister will also meet with private sector investors in tourism in connection with the Baha Mar project in Cable Beach.

Additionally, he will have discussions with the chairman of Genting/Resorts World Group.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell, Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe and the Minister of Transport and Aviation Glenys Hanna Martin will accompany the prime minister.

The ministerial delegation will be supported by a team from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headed by Eugene Torchon Newry and Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of the Prime Minister Sir Baltron Bethel.