Canada interested in Jamaica logistics hub, Hylton says

(Jamaica Observer) KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Anthony Hylton says that Canada has shown keen interest in the proposed Global Logistics Hub providing increased trade opportunities for Jamaica.

“The Jamaica logistics hub will offer Canada a platform to serve the Latin American market. We anticipate that when the hub is fully operational, Canadian companies will be establishing distribution centres within the logistics hub,” Hylton said.

He was giving an update on his Ministerial mission to Canada from October 1 to 10 at a press briefing yesterday at his New Kingston offices.

He said that significant interest was expressed by the Canadians in using Jamaica’s logistics hub as a platform for Canadian commerce with the Caribbean and Latin America.
During the trip to Canada, the Jamaican delegation met with provincial and federal officers, and airport and port operators, as well as representatives from some of the trading companies.

According to Hylton, the mission to Canada affirmed his belief that several private firms in Canada are good candidates for participation both in current expansion projects and future developments in Jamaica.

“This (trip) was a joint engagement between Government and the private sector and I think it was very well executed given the timeframe available. Most importantly, several new trajectories and partnership opportunities have now been identified that can potentially lead to rapid advancement of Jamaica’s logistics hub,” he said.