Number and Scope of SEZs Being Increased to Attract Foreign Investments and Boost Exports

• In recent years, Jamaica has focused on increasing the number and scope of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to enhance economic growth, attract foreign investments and boost exports. This development has been part of the country’s broader Global Logistics Hub Initiative, which aims to position Jamaica as a critical player in international trade.
• Since the replacement of the Free Zones Act with the Special Economic Zones Act in 2016, there has been a steady rise in the number of approved SEZs across Jamaica, resulting in the current total of 198 locations. This strategic development has strengthened Jamaica’s logistics cluster and puts the country in a better position to become the fourth global logistics node¹.
• The Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority (JSEZA) plays a pivotal role in SEZ development, regulation and management, and has a mandate to establish the island as a hub for world-class facilities and services.
• Recognising the importance of workforce development in achieving this goal, JSEZA’s CEO Kelli-Dawn Hamilton pointed out that the entity has partnered with key institutions, like HEART/NSTA Trust and the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU), to build a talent pipeline aligned with emerging opportunities.
• Additionally, JSEZA has amplified its advocacy efforts, championing policies that ensure competitiveness and economic viability for SEZ clients. “We see the SEZs as a testing ground for the broader economy. If a solution works within the SEZ, we are confident it can benefit the wider economy,” Mrs. Hamilton stated.

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¹A centralized geographical location that brings together the key business operators in logistics, e.g. manufacturers, shipping lines, air cargo companies, third- and fourth-party logistics providers (e.g. express cargo service providers), and logistics support services.

(Source: JIS)