JSEZA Continues to Advance Logistics Hub Initiative

The Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority (JSEZA) continues to make positive strides in the development of Jamaica’s resilient Logistics Hub Initiative.

This strategic endeavour is poised to revolutionise the region’s economic landscape by leveraging Jamaica’s geographic location and fostering collaboration among Caribbean nations.

“We are right at the centre of the world and if you know anything about us being ‘likkle but tallawah’, we punch above our weight in so many different areas and so what we want to do is to capitalise on that,” said the agency’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Kelli-Dawn Hamilton.

On a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Get the Facts’ television programme, Mrs. Hamilton pointed out that coupled with our resilient spirit, Jamaica’s location as a pivotal point in global shipping routes positions it as a formidable force on the world stage.

She said that the Initiative is a testament to Jamaica’s commitment to harnessing innovative technologies and collaborative practices to thrive in a post-pandemic world.

Mrs. Hamilton said by embracing concepts such as ‘friendshoring’ and coopetition, Jamaica is fostering synergistic relationships within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), “because we’ve recognised as countries that we can’t go it alone. We must work together to leverage our competitive advantages”.

The CEO also acknowledged that while efforts are being made to further strengthen the Logistics Hub infrastructure, several factors must be taken into consideration for sustainable economic growth that benefits all Jamaicans to be achieved.

Mrs. Hamilton said that how goods and services move and are paid for, as well as what infrastructure is in place to facilitate trade (airports, seaports, and road networks) and e-commerce activities (online payments and internet access) must be taken into account.

Integral to the success of the Logistics Hub, the Initiative has also extended its benefits beyond established businesses to empower local entrepreneurs and suppliers, catalysing a ripple effect of economic opportunities throughout the island.

“In order to be a logistics hub… we are not just talking about the activities that usually drive the hub, such as trade, but the supporting activities that must be in place in order to allow that to happen,” Mrs. Hamilton highlighted.

“We’re talking about the man on the street who could benefit from this increased economic activity [and] suppliers who can now supply to businesses that didn’t exist before,” she added.

Moreover, a part of building out the hub includes the people who will be on the ground to take advantage of the job opportunities that will come into play.

As Jamaica asserts its position as the logistical nexus of the Caribbean, the Logistics Hub Initiative stands as a true testament to the nation’s resilience, innovation and commitment to inclusive economic development.