PM Holness Meets with Private-Sector Leaders to Discuss Trade and Economic Issues

• Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, met with private-sector leaders on Thursday (April 24) to discuss urgent international trade-related issues, including global tariffs and the existing domestic and world economic environment. Addressing the meeting, Dr. Holness assured members of the private sector that the Government will continue to strategically engage bilateral partners on critical issues.
• “So, you would have noticed that the Government have taken a very strategic approach; we have avoided hyperbolic comments. We have been very measured in our statements, and we have sought to engage… that’s critical. Our policy is that we must always be at the table, because that’s the only way we’re going to know what is happening; and I give the private sector assurance that you will not have to suffer at the altar of ideology”
• “We saw it coming a long time ago. So I give you that commitment… we are changing. The Government is making sure that what we do is strategic and you would have seen that. There were many concerns about whether or not Jamaica would be asked to do away with Cuban doctors, and visa issues and mass deportation and all of these. We have been at the table and we have been negotiating… in our general engagement,” the Prime Minister said.
• Holness indicated that, annually, he meets with critical stakeholders in the United States. These, he said, include but are not limited to representatives of the Justice Department and the Department of Defence. Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina said the Government will defend Jamaica’s interests and balance them as best as possible with the region.
• She further noted that processes exist, “not only for us to take defensive positions but proactive ones, as well, where you see opportunities”. Senator Johnson Smith indicated that other matters discussed during the meeting include – Jamaica’s geostrategic positioning, issues relating to the new tariffs that have been imposed and other changes which have been occurring globally; energy; plans in respect of reducing bureaucracy and improving productivity which are critical pillars to Jamaica’s growth agenda; diversification of market access and leveraging the access that already exists but is underutilised.

(Source: JIS)