The Hon. Anthony Hylton
Jamaica and Canada could both benefit from increased trade generated through the planned Jamaica Logistics Hub, according to Jamaica’s Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, the Hon G. Anthony Hylton who led a ten-day trade mission to Canada.
Potential synergies between the Atlantic Gateway and the Jamaica Logistics Hub were at the centre of a packed programme of meetings, round table discussions, forums, port and factory visits. The Minister also appeared on Canadian television to explain how the Jamaica Logistics Hub is not only the nation’s newest growth initiative but also a global asset which will benefit companies across a range of industries.
“The Hub can support increased trade between Jamaica and Canada as well as with other countries, ” he said during the visit, which encompassed the cities of Toronto, Ottawa, St John, New Brunswick and Halifax.
“The mission affirmed my belief that several private firms in Canada are good candidates for participation both in current expansion projects and future development in Jamaica, ” the Minister said. “Several new trajectories and partnership opportunities have now been identified that can potentially lead to rapid advancement of Jamaica’s Logistics hub.”
The trade delegation included: Mr. Francis Kennedy – President, Jamaica Chamber of Commerce; Dr. Eric Deans – Chairman, Jamaica Logistics Task Force; Ms. Diane Edwards – President, JAMPRO and Mr. Robert Kerr, Regional Manager, JAMPRO Canada.
Diane Edwards commented: “I was extremely impressed by the eagerness of the Canadian companies to do business with Jamaica.”
- · Jamaica’s Logistics Hub Initiative represents the next stage in the evolution of Jamaica’s airports, seaports and industrial infrastructure. It will consist of world class seaports (handling containers, dry bulk and liquid bulk commodities), airports, special economic zones, free zones, logistics parks, logistics centres, integrated intermodal transport capabilities, supporting infrastructure, telecommunications and trade facilitation mechanisms
- · Situated close to the expanding Panama Canal, Jamaica is strategically well-placed to become the transhipment and logistics hub of the Americas and the Caribbean
