Jamaica launches plans for global supply and logistics hub

Kingston Harbor, Jamaica. PHOTO/File

Jamaica has launched ambitious plans that if implemented will turn the island-nation into the global logistics hub for the Americas and position it as a regional trading node similar to Dubai in the Middle East, Rotterdam in Europe and Singapore in the Far East.

The Jamaican global supply and logistics hub will have the long term effect of radically transforming the economy positively and create many new jobs.

High level discussions and consultations with interested investors (both local and foreign) are already underway to develop vast areas of prime real estate to handle the anticipated increase in air and sea traffic.

Projects under discussion include growth of container throughput at the Port of Kingston ahead of the expansion of the Panama Canal; the development of commodity ports to handle petroleum products, coal, minerals and grain; the development of an air cargo strong hold through the construction of an air cargo airport as well as the construction of large scale ship repair dry docks.

The initiative will also include the setting up of special economic zones.

Jamaica’s Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Anthony Hylton, said the vast project contained many opportunities for investors (both local and foreign), distributors, logistics providers, manufacturers, and suppliers across many industries globally.

He also noted that the initiative will provide a myriad of opportunities for global and domestic commercial and industry interests. The development of Jamaica’s transportation—maritime, aviation, road and rail and logistics infrastructure —will enable the country to be positioned as the logistics hub of the Americas (North and South America). This effort, he said, represents the centerpiece of a sustainable economic growth strategy.