SEZs’ Role in Generating Jobs and Sustaining Low Unemployment Underscored

The role of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in sustaining Jamaica’s low unemployment rate, which fell to a record 4.2 per cent in late 2023, is being underscored by the State entity promoting and facilitating investments in SEZs.

These zones have emerged as vibrant hubs of commercial activity, driving employment opportunities and facilitating knowledge transfer across multiple sectors.

This comes against the background of ongoing efforts to foster innovation, embrace technology, and prioritise the growth of Jamaica’s workforce through strategic partnerships and forward-thinking initiatives.

Speaking recently during the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Get the Facts’ television programme, Chief Executive Officer, Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority (JSEZA), Kelli-Dawn Hamilton, informed that as the agency ventures into new frontiers of business and embraces technological advancements, “our priority remains steadfast”.

“The objective for us is really to work with the different entities of government and our private-sector partners to ensure that, as we get into these new areas of business [and] identify more innovation and use technology in how we grow our businesses, that we’re also creating a space for Jamaican employees… for the Jamaican workforce,” she stated.

Mrs. Hamilton added that through collaborations with institutions like the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) and HEART/NSTA Trust, “we are strategically planning for the future, [by] identifying key industries poised for growth within our SEZs”. One such is the Global Digital Services Sector (GDSS).

Recognising the integral role of the GDSS, Jamaica has transitioned towards higher-skilled operations within this domain, positioning itself as a leading player on the global stage.

Mrs. Hamilton pointed out that by leveraging its strategic location, skilled workforce and business-friendly policies, Jamaica has become an attractive destination for companies seeking to establish a presence within SEZs.