Jamaica and the United States (US) have pledged to explore opportunities for increased cooperation in trade, investment and logistics.
The development comes following bilateral talks between Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, and United States (US) Secretary of State, Hon. Marco Rubio, at the Office of the Prime Minister on Wednesday (March 26).
“We explored avenues to further expand trade relations between our two countries and attract increased US investment into Jamaica’s emerging sectors, ” Prime Minister Holness said, at a press conference following the talks.
“With our stable macroeconomic framework and positive growth trajectory, Jamaica is open for enhanced US investment across multiple sectors, including energy and near-shoring opportunities,” he pointed out.
The Prime Minister explained that the discussions underscored the shared commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing security cooperation in the region.
He emphasised the importance of renewing the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA), which is vital for Jamaica and other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member States.
“The discussions also touched on working with US companies to leverage Jamaica’s location as a logistics hub for global trade,” he added, aligning with Jamaica’s goal of becoming a major player in international logistics.
Secretary Rubio, in his remarks, highlighted Jamaica’s potential as a strategic partner in realigning global trade policies to benefit both nations.
“We discussed supply chains and the opportunity to relocate productive capacities closer to end markets within our hemisphere,” he said.
“Jamaica has the labour, population, and vision to benefit from these opportunities, creating jobs that pay better than ever before,” he pointed out.
The bilateral discussions also included collaborative efforts in skills training to prepare Jamaica’s workforce for emerging industries such as logistics and manufacturing.
“The United States wants countries like Jamaica to see partnership with us as mutually beneficial, helpful for development, growth, and security,” said Secretary Rubio.
“Jamaica is an incredible partner, and we will continue working closer than ever before,” he added.
