May 2, 2024

The Full Story The role of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in sustaining Jamaica’s low unemployment rate, which fell to a record 4.2 per cent in late 2023, is being underscored by the State entity promoting and facilitating investments in SEZs. These zones have emerged as vibrant hubs of commercial activity, driving employment opportunities and facilitating knowledge transfer across multiple sectors. This comes against the background of ongoing efforts to foster innovation, embrace technology, and prioritise the growth of Jamaica’s workforce through strategic partnerships and forward-thinking initiatives. Speaking recently during the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Get the Facts’ television programme, Chief Executive Officer, Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority (JSEZA), Kelli-Dawn Hamilton, informed that as the agency ventures into new frontiers of business and embraces technological advancements, “our priority remains steadfast”. “The objective for us is really to work with the different entities of government and our private-sector partners to ensure that, as we get into these new areas of business [and] identify more innovation and use technology in how we grow our businesses, that we’re also creating a space for Jamaican employees… for the Jamaican workforce,” she stated. Mrs. Hamilton added that through collaborations with institutions like the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) and HEART/NSTA Trust, “we are strategically planning for the future, [by] identifying key industries poised for growth within our SEZs”. One such is the Global Digital Services Sector (GDSS). Recognising the integral role of the GDSS, Jamaica has transitioned towards higher-skilled operations within this domain, positioning itself as a leading player on the global stage. Mrs. Hamilton pointed out that by leveraging its strategic location, skilled workforce and business-friendly policies, Jamaica has become an attractive destination for companies seeking to establish a presence within SEZs. Souce JIS:https://jis.gov.jm/sezs-role-in-generating-jobs-and-sustaining-low-unemployment-underscored/

The Full Story The Caymanas Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in St. Catherine will be transformed into a mini municipality once fully developed, says Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority (JSEZA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Kelli-Dawn Hamilton. She disclosed this during a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Get the Facts’ television programme. The transformative project, being led by the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ), is poised to become a dynamic 650-acre development, strategically designed to accommodate industrial, manufacturing, warehousing, and cold storage operations. With a vision to establish a vibrant mini municipality, the SEZ will seamlessly integrate commercial and residential spaces, ensuring round-the-clock activity to support a thriving ecosystem. Mrs. Hamilton told JIS News that the main aim is to create a space where “there is activity happening right throughout the day and night to support that whole ecosystem, and to really maximise the 650 acres where we intend to drive transformation in Jamaica”. Regarding warehousing solutions that the space will provide, she said there is increasing demand for this provision locally and internationally from “companies that want to take advantage of the opportunity for nearshoring in Jamaica”. The CEO elaborated on the diverse opportunities offered by SEZs in general, including plans for specialised zones dedicated to the creative and sporting industries. “We want to do a Creative Industries Special Economic Zone where companies can come and film and have their film productions from start to finish done right here in Jamaica. We [also] want to build a Sports SEZ, alongside the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, where you have teams that have to train in cold climates come to Jamaica and train,” she explained. Mrs. Hamilton pointed out that these business opportunities are in alignment with Jamaica’s strengths in film production and sports training, further enhancing the country’s global reputation in this regard. As the island continues to foster business growth through collaborative public and private-sector efforts, Mrs. Hamilton is declaring that “Jamaica is open for business and ready to facilitate!”. Consequently, she invites local and global stakeholders to come on board and “help us to achieve the vision that we have of making Jamaica the Logistics Hub, rivalling global ports across the world”. Source JIS:https://jis.gov.jm/caymanas-sez-to-be-transformed-into-a-mini-municipality/