Minister Shaw wants to see more Mexican investments in Jamaica

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Audley Shaw, says that he would like to see more Mexican investments in Jamaica.

“We have had several investments in the hotel industry. Now, we really have to look at other sectors and opportunities where we can increase investments, not only in the hotel industry, but other areas”, Minister Shaw said.

The Minister was speaking during a courtesy call with newly appointed Mexican Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency, Juan José González Mijares, at the Ministry’s New Kingston offices, on Thursday, May 31.

The Minister and Ambassador Mijares held discussions on ways in which both countries could strengthen bilateral arrangements in agriculture, particularly, in areas such as agro-processing, fisheries, deep-sea shrimp farming and also in technology transfer.
Minister Shaw informed that Jamaica continues to benefit from training, capacity-building and technical assistance programmes offered by Mexico, through specific initiatives undertaken by the Mexican Government, which target the needs of its developing partners in the Caribbean region.

Ambassador Mijares expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to be assigned to Jamaica.

“My intention being assigned here in Jamaica is to work hard and to attract more investments and assist Jamaica’s priority programmes, using the base of the six companies already here, which have demonstrated good results. We can build on them. We will have to find the strategy, identify the sectors and, define the opportunities going forward”, the ambassador said.

He further stated that he understands quite well the importance of agriculture to the Minister, but more importantly, to the people of Jamaica.

The ambassador’s appointment to Jamaica represents his first tour of duty in the Latin-American and Caribbean region, having previously served primarily at European and African posts.

He was accompanied to the meeting by Deputy Head of Mission at the Mexican Embassy in Jamaica, Ernesto Malda.

-30-