Great Economic Potential Between CARICOM & Africa

• Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has highlighted the need for the strengthening of engagement between CARICOM and the African continent, noting that “great economic potential” exists between the regions.
• The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCFTA) serves as an enabling environment for trade and investment opportunities across the regions. The Minister highlighted that there is potential in the agro industry and logistic sector, and Jamaican companies have already invested in Africa. Opportunities also exist for scientific research, healthcare, technological innovation and digitisation, and tourism.
• There is solidarity between the two regions in addressing issues such as development financing, debt sustainability, and climate change in various regional and international fora while working for deeper integration.
• The African Union (AU) has also provided access to COVID-19 vaccines and other critical medical supplies to Caribbean countries through the Africa Medical Supplies Platform (AMSP). This has been a game-changer for the continent and the region.
• The Prime Minister added that the timely dialogue between the two regions will serve to entrench their platform of bonds and common historical experiences, which have been enriched by cultural, economic, and political affinities.

(Source: JIS News)