Mr. Speaker … the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce is the ‘business-focused’ Ministry of the Government of Jamaica, and a driver in the delivery of the Growth Agenda.
Our mission is to catalyze growth and to facilitate the creation of jobs in the Jamaican economy in order to improve the lives and economic well-being of the People of Jamaica.
Mr. Speaker …we are focused on creating a new paradigm for economic growth for Jamaica.
We are creating an enabling environment, where our businesses and budding entrepreneurs are beginning to see the opportunities and the tremendous promise of the Jamaica Logistics Hub Initiative.
Mr. Speaker …we are making big strides in becoming a logistics-centred economy!
We have had the debate on the Jamaica Logistics Hub in the wider society.
We have passed the acid test.
We have ‘proof of concept’.
We have the interest and the backing of the global investment community, and today, I will bring the evidence to this Honourable House!!!
Mr. Speaker …over the past 18 months, we have engaged the biggest and most experienced players in global logistics. Today, we are on the radar of major global corporations looking for a location to increase
their operational efficiencies and reduce time to market in this region of the world.
This is what we mean, Mr. Speaker, when we say the Logistics Hub Initiative is not simply about Jamaica, it is ‘a global asset’. Jamaica, again matters to the world trading system.
Mr. Speaker … let us not forget our history.
Over 500 years ago, Jamaica was one of the richest places on Earth as the city of Port Royal was then the centre of international trade and commerce.
The merchant ships of England and Spain, laden with goods would sail our waters via the Windward Passage with the aid of the north-east trade winds.
Back then, even in the face of the threat of the pirates and buccaneers of the Caribbean, business thrived, and Port Royal was a place synonymous with riches and wealth.
Mr. Speaker … we can do it again!
Afterall …A rising tide lifts all ships.
Jamaica can be rich and wealthy again.
Jamaica can re-claim its status as a global hub for business.
I submit Mr. Speaker … Jamaica is the most viable option to be the next global logistics hub…READ MORE
Download Contribution to the 2014/2015 Sectoral Debate by Minister, the Hon. Anthony Hylton
