Government to Engage Diaspora on Logistics Hub

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Anthony Hylton, says his Ministry will be launching a campaign within the next six months, to sensitize the Diaspora on the importance of the logistic hub, and indicate how they can participate in the project.

Speaking in an interview with the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) in Washington DC on Tuesday (Sept. 30), Minister Hylton said engagement with the Diaspora is geared towards having members participate through investment and the provision of services.

“There are a wide range of opportunities available, and the Diaspora has a key role to play.  We want to have the Diaspora focus on these areas so members can take full advantage of the various opportunities that exist,” he said.

Minister Hylton informed that discussions will be held in Canada, London as well as key states throughout the US, with various interests such as academia, large and small business operators, and the ordinary Jamaican.  He pointed out that the overseas missions will play a pivotal role in the organisation of the various meetings.

The sessions will also highlight the recently launched online Mapping Jamaica Diaspora Project by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.

The survey, he noted, aims to capture the locations, interests and skills of Jamaicans, as the country seeks to establish a database to support the Government’ s policy directions and interests with members of the Diaspora.

Minister Hylton was in Washington for the Global Business Services Summit held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel.

He participated in a panel discussion on ‘Global Perspectives on Services Trade’, where trade ministers from participating countries highlighted current trade negotiations and other important issues.