Seek investment for Jamaica, Hylton urges diplomats

(Jamaica Gleaner) Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Anthony Hylton yesterday asked members of the diplomatic corps to assist Jamaica in attracting investment from overseas private- and public-sector interests, in the development of Jamaica’s global transshipment and logistics hub.

The minister said that Jamaica, like many other countries, is “financially constrained”, and in this regard, “we are seeking investment from the global community, not just locally”.

“We hope that you will communicate, not only to your governments, but also to your private sector, to your chambers and your other private-sector organisations. Let it be known generally that this is Jamaica’s thinking, this is Jamaica’s plan, and we are inviting investments from governments, private sector, anybody that qualifies,” Hylton said.

He added: “I would want you to urge your investors, if they are interested, to express their positions, because others are doing so … this opportunity will not wait.”

Development of the transshipment and logistics hub is being undertaken by the Government in a bid to position Jamaica to take advantage of the anticipated increased maritime activities, expected to result from the expansion of the Panama Canal, by 2015.