Laparkan, Jamaica in logistics dialogue

Laparkan Trading’s future plans to introduce air cargo service to Jamaica and to use the island as a hub for the reconsolidation and transport of ocean cargo from the US destined to the smaller countries of the Caribbean region, were discussed when a team from the Consulate of Jamaica in Miami, Florida led by Consul General Franz Hall met last Friday for a working lunch with Laparkan Trading senior executives headed by Chairman Glen Khan.

A release from Laparkan yesterday said that the meeting at its Miami Corporate Office and main warehouse, identified some constraints which will be followed up with the Jamaican government. They also discussed issues of cargo and port security, customs procedures and barriers to trade including the importation into Florida of agricultural produce from the Caribbean.

Laparkan currently services Jamaica from the US, Canada and other markets and from within the Caribbean region through its ocean and express shipping operations. Laparkan also maintains offices in Kingston and Montego Bay with a combined staff of 30 employees.

According to the release, in welcoming the Jamaican Consul General and team to Laparkan Khan spoke of the business his company receives from the Jamaican communities across the US and Canada and pointed out that “we are working to increase our market share.” Jamaica, he said, remains a key market.

The Consul General acknowledged the relationship between Laparkan and the Jamaican community including the Consulate and thanked Laparkan for its support of community efforts and its service to Jamaica.

He said, “The continued success and growth of Laparkan serves as a shining example of what Caribbean businesses can achieve, through vision and dedication.

That your company is also a good corporate citizen is worthy of commendation. In particular, the role of Laparkan in assisting during times of natural disasters in the Caribbean is an activity that redounds to the benefit of all affected parties.”

The team from the Jamaica Consulate included Deputy Consul General Dale Jones and Community Affairs/Information Attaché Cheryl Wynter. Also participating in the discussions were President of the Jamaica/USA Chamber of Commerce Marie Gill and the Jamaica Diaspora South Florida representative Rev Horace Ward.  They also toured Laparkan’s 166,000 square foot warehouse.