The Government will be seeking to increase the number of transactions that can be processed via the Jamaica Business Gateway by the end of June this year to further improve ease of doing business.

Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen, while delivering the Throne Speech during the 2024/25 ceremonial opening of Parliament at Gordon House, on Thursday, February 15, disclosed that 29 new transactions will be added.

The Jamaica Business Gateway, the premier business-to-government (B2G) transaction platform, was launched in May 2023 with 14 government processes, thereby increasing the ease of doing business and productivity.

US$100m spent on special economic zones

Turning to the subject of productivity, the governor general said more than US$100 million was invested through the special economic zone regime in the development of seven special economic zones, which have facilitated employment for over 3,000 persons.

“The German Ship Repair Jamaica Limited, a designated Special Economic Zone (SEZ), deserves special mention as it welcomed its inaugural floating dock (JAM-DOCK 1) into the Kingston Harbour in August 2023. This monumental milestone marked the dawn of a new era in Jamaica’s maritime industry, where vessels, both local and international, will have access to world-class repair facilities on our shores,” he noted.

Shift to high-value KPO

The governor general said the Government continues to prioritise increasing productivity through various processes and legislative reforms to enable economic growth, and to foster a more peaceful, productive, and prosperous society.

During the Financial Year 2023/2024, the Government continued the implementation of the Global Digital Services Strategy, geared towards supporting Jamaica’s shift to high-value knowledge process outsourcing.

In 2023, the project graduated 590 apprentices trained in supervisory management and leadership skills. One thousand, one hundred and ninety-four apprentices are expected to graduate in 2024 to significantly enhance the sector, which currently employs approximately 62,000 persons.