Logistics Hub a Central Plank in Growth Strategy – PM

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, has lauded the logistics hub initiative as a central plank in the Government’s overall growth strategy.

The logistics hub potentially represents some US$9 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for Jamaica.

[RELATED: UWI Principal to Lead Logistics Hub Coordinating Team]

Mrs. Simpson Miller, who was making her contribution to the 2013/14 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, April 30, said the project has the prospect of generating tens of thousands of jobs in a wide variety of fields during the construction and operational phases.

The Prime Minister noted that work continues apace on the roll-out of the enabling systems to realize the successful implementation of this initiative, and that Request for Proposals (RFP) have received positive responses.

“We have begun to mobilize investment prospects and we have been receiving serious interest from global port operators for the privatization of the port,” she said.

Multi-lateral funding has also been secured for the development of the Logistic Hub Master Plan and an agreement has been reached with Panama for the training of port operators.

[Download the Prime Minister’s 2013-14 Budget Presentation]

By Alphea Saunders, JIS Reporter