Jamaica places top priority on the services industry

Washington DC – Jamaica’s Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Anthony Hylton says Jamaica places top priority on the services industry as it dominates the country’s economic activities.

Addressing a panel discussion on “Global Prospective on the Service Trade” at the Global Services Summit held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Washington DC on Tuesday, September 30, 2014, Minister Hylton pointed out that the services industry represents 75 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Information Technology, Tourism and Business Process Outsourcing are among the service sectors leading the way. He said the country is participating in a range of other economic activities that are geared at increasing the service industry.

Minister Hylton told the large gathering that the prospect going forward for Jamaica in the service sector is even greater with the country positioning itself to establish the logistic hub. This will present the country with significant opportunities in the service industry. He emphasized that the country’s path and future are bound in this very important service sector.

The Minister pointed out that Jamaica is moving forward to build the logistic hub and its financial services as well as expand tourism, sports, culture and its creative industry.

Minister Hylton along with panelists, Australia’s Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr. Andrew Robb, Director of Services and Investment, Public Procurement European Commission, Mr. Rupert Schlegelmilch and Permanent Representative of Mexico to the World Trade Organization, Ambassador Fernando deMateo, discussed the current trade negotiations and issues important to the global trade system.

In attendance at the summit were Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Stephen Vasciannie and Mr. Eric Deans, advisor to Minister Hylton.