Opportunity for Jamaica to Benefit from India’s Interest in Latin America

High Commissioner of India, His Excellency Mayank Joshi, says Jamaica must prepare to explore opportunities and identify ways to benefit from India’s increased interest in the Latin American Region.

He noted that trade between India and Latin America has increased to some $50 billion and the India Government envisions that this will reach $100 billion by 2028.

Jamaica’s location can provide Indian businesses with access to markets in Latin America and the Caribbean.

“Jamaica will be and needs to be a part of this opportunity. We are looking at Jamaica and Jamaica is ready to embrace India,” Ambassador Joshi said.

“For a start, the focus can be capacity building, education, health care, digital technology, hospitality management and renewable energy. Let us work together and see how we can make the most benefit out of this opportunity,” he said.

High Commissioner Joshi was addressing a Business and Ethics event held on Friday (December 13) on the lawns of India House, 2 East King’s House Road, Kingston.

The event, which was organised by the High Commission, was addressed by global humanitarian and spiritual leader, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, and was attended by government ministers, senior government officials, members of the business community, and the diplomatic corps.

High Commissioner Joshi said the strong relationship between Jamaica and India serves as a solid foundation for mutually beneficial trade, investment and economic partnerships.

“In my five months of tenure here, I believe that the immense goodwill, shared values and strong cultural ties between our two great nations also provide a solid foundation for fostering such partnerships,” he said.

He noted that the local Indian community of over 70,000 persons, serves as a vital bridge between the two nations.

The High Commissioner said that India is building a strong partnership with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Latin America.

“The distance between India, Latin America and the CARICOM region is shrinking every day,” he said.

“Let us explore the synergies between our nations, invest in each other’s strength and build a partnership rooted in trust and shared values,” he urged.

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, who spoke at the event, said the recent visit to India by Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has opened doors for future collaboration in vital sectors, such as trade, technology, education and tourism.

“If we are going to continue to lead, we have to be a lot more efficient and digitally advanced than we are today,” he said.

Senator Hill also took the opportunity to welcome Mr. Shankar, who spoke on the topics of business and ethics at the function.

“Your leadership and engagement with the Jamaican business community signifies a deepening relationship that transcends economics and touches deep into our cultural spheres,” he added.