By Jenni Campbell, Managing EditorKINGSTON, COULD be earning millions in US dollars by 2004, if plans to establish a major distribution hub for Asian goods destined for American markets are successfully implemented.
According to Robert Stephens, business development officer at the Port Authority, over 100 Asia-based manufacturing companies, who were among delegates at the 7th annual China International Fair on Investment and Trade (CIFIT), have expressed interest in using Kingston's main port as a central distribution point.
"Jamaica is well-placed for the distribution of goods from China, it is a major gateway between the United States and Asia. It is ideal for manufacturers and distributors to get into the Americas, hence the consideration of Kingston as a free zone hub," said Mr. Stephens who was part of the Jamaican delegation to CIFIT.
The fair which was declared open by Chinese Vice Premier of State Council Madame Wu Yi last week, drew thousands of politicians, businessmen, journalists and government workers from across the globe to China's prestigious Xiamen International Exhibition Centre.
China's eight CARICOM trading partners Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Suriname, Barbados and Guyana were among some 250 foreign delegations present.
MAIN GOALS
Jamaica's main goals at the China fair were to attract Asian interest in a free zone/distribution hub, bring more Chinese tourists to the island, renew support for the controversial Spring Plain winter vegetable project and offer business opportunities in a proposed duty-free mall for Montego Bay.
Headed by Dr. Jean Dixon, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Science and Technology, the Jamaican delegation included JAMPRO's executive director for markets, Micheal McMorris; Tony Hugh, president of the Hong Kong-Jamaica Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Stephens and representatives from the private sector.
Mr. Stephens said all efforts are being made to follow up with the potential business partners.
"We want to get as many as possible to locate their businesses in the new commercial free zone/distribution hub." He said the free zone to be based in Kingston will be completed by the end of 2004.
The trip to China, Dr. Dixon said, hoped to improve the flow of trade and investment between the countries.
NEW INVESTMENTS
"We are focusing on getting more Chinese tourists into the island, and in terms of trade we want new investments, and in order to best facilitate this we are looking at the matter of transport, because this will be critical if we are to encourage investors to consider Jamaica," Dr. Dixon explained.
Wednesday Business understands that several tour operators in China have indicated interest in moving people to Jamaica and that two Chinese agencies will scout the island for this purpose within the next two months.
Mr. Stephens said Jamaica also hoped to attract interest in the development of a duty-free mall in Montego Bay.
The Jamaican delegation was also equipped with information about a vegetable farming project at Spring Plains where Chinese high-tech solutions are to be employed.
If successful, the farm will bring into reality Jamaica's long-time objective of exporting exotic vegetables to worldwide markets.
CIFIT attracted more than 10,000 business persons and had the potential of seeing a contract volume of foreign capital amounting to some US$90 billion.
