Business
Jamaica looking to develop global trans-shipment hub – seeks investment and diplomatic support
“The development of our transportation – maritime, aviation, road, and rail – and logistics infrastructure will enable us to position Jamaica as the hub of the Americas. The comprehensive vision involves the development of an integrated logistics system or network that will serve as a global asset, pushing us to the centre of the global supply chain of the Americas,” Hylton said.
He said he remains confident about the response to the initiative by interests in China and Singapore, where he led a delegation to make presentations on the proposed development, recently.
“The results of my trip are very re-affirming and instructive. The results re-affirmed the soundness of the logistics hub initiative. Based on all of the consultations that I have had with major global players in the logistics and shipping industry, I firmly believe that Jamaica can become the fourth node or pillar in the global supply and logistics chain, along with Singapore, Rotterdam, and Dubai,” he said.
Regarding benefits which the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) can derive from the hub, Hylton said it would be pivotal in developing a transportation system for the organization, which that body has “lacked.” “So, we envision that this hub will energize CARICOM trade and, certainly, provide the logistic capability for CARICOM, not only within, but (outside),” he said, adding that he is also confident about Jamaica’s capabilities to deal with the anticipated developments, consequent on the Panama canal’s expansion.
“Competing ports along the eastern seaboard of the United States are in the process of planning expansions to ensure their capability to accommodate super vessels capable of accommodating 13,000 TEUs.
“Jamaica is well advanced in our plans to expand the Port of Kingston to handle these super vessels when the expansion is completed. This will give us a competitive advantage in our efforts to develop the country as a global logistics hub,” he added. -(CMC)
