“Commercial Awareness Is Global.”
Special economic zones (SEZ) are not a panacea for nation’s economic and developmental challenges. However, they are proven tools, if implemented correctly, to rapidly diversify a country’s industrial base, attract foreign direct investment (FDI), increase job creation and improve economic growth. Examples of such success range from Singapore, to China (the factory of the world), to Ethiopia( the fastest growing
The activities within the SEZs are aimed at fully integrating the Jamaican economy into the global production and distribution systems that rely on global value and supply chains. This complex and dynamic system, at the heart of globalization, places Jamaica at a critical intersection of global trade, investment and services. In a globalized environment companies face several conflicting demands simultaneously, for example there is an equal drive to both centralize and decentralize production and distribution. Additionally, companies must balance global and local demands at the same time in the sense of being able to produce and distribute worldwide but at the same time adjusting product specifications through postponement to meet the local taste of consumers through customization.
How is the Hub being implemented? What are the timelines? What is the economic value proposition? What type of industries will be attracted to the hub? What strategy will be used to attract the leading global companies? How will the hub be financed? What are the opportunities for local businesses?
There are over 3,000 special economic zones worldwide directly employing over 69 million people.
Jamaica’s progress towards being a Global Logistics Hub might appear to be slow, especially when compared to what Panama appears to be doing but Jamaica’s progress is real and it is meaningful.