Kingston Port to be region’s transshipment hub – Chang

Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation Dr Horace Chang says the Port of Kingston is on the verge of becoming the biggest Transshipment hub in the entire Caribbean.

Speaking at the commissioning service for newly acquired pilot boats at the Port of Kingston on Wednesday, Chang added that the shipping industry is on the pathway of rapid growth where Jamaica’s economy stands to benefit tremendously.

He argued that Jamaica, by virtue of its geographic location, is strategically poised to make major inroads in a transshipment business that has long surpassed the trillion dollar mark globally.

“I wish to welcome you all here today to the commissioning ceremony for our two newly acquired pilot boats. This acquisition by the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) represents clearly, the intention of this stellar agency of the state to pursue meaningful improvements to maritime operations at the Kingston Port,” said Chang.

“This reflects the continuous upgrade to our ports with the intent to become the region’s finest logistics centre. Furthermore, the expansion of the Port of Kingston following its divestment is a demonstration of the government’s policy to expand the role of the private sector in national development,” added Chang.

He further argued that all major international trade revolves around shipping and that having the kind of facility and services that can entice some of the major global players “will certainly bode well” for Jamaica’s future.