US promises Jamaica more "dialogue" on trade issues

Washington, D.C., JIS: “A deeper dialogue on all relevant trade issues, including the identification of opportunities for investment in Jamaica,” were among assurances that Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks received from the U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Ron Kirk.

Audrey Marks, Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States at (right) in discussions with United States Trade Representative Ambassador Ron Kirk, at his Washington, D.C., offices Monday, July 26, during a courtesy call she paid on him.

Kirk is a member of the Obama Cabinet and is the Chief Advisor to the President on all trade issues.

The Jamaican Ambassador was given these and other assurances of interest in intensified trade relations with Jamaica, as during a courtesy call paid on the U.S. Trade Representative, on Monday, July 26, at his downtown Washington, D.C., offices.

In a 45-minute high-level discussion, the U.S. Trade official stated that based on his understanding, there was full protection of investor rights in Jamaica, and this should augur well for efforts to attract increased levels of investment into Jamaica.

Ambassador Kirk, a former mayor of the city of Dallas, Texas, expressed the view that the U.S. needed to become more engaged with the global partners. He said it was therefore important for the U.S. to pursue new markets and to directly engage with traditional stakeholders and partners, such as Jamaica, “to ensure continued growth and prosperity.”

As they reviewed a series of other important issues, the Trade Representative praised Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding’s vigorous measures to confront narco-trafficking and the related scourges of crime.

Noting the special relationship between the US and Jamaica, Ambassador Kirk said he looked forward to working closely on issues of common interest. According to Ambassador Kirk, “Jamaica is seen as a leader in the Caribbean,” and he expressed appreciation for the efforts of that country to conclude negotiations on the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) between CARICOM and the US.

Welcoming the signal of the interest in strengthening trade relations with Jamaica, Ambassador Marks outlined to the U.S. Trade Representative a number of steps taken by the Government of Jamaica to pursue economic growth, based on managing fiscal affairs by holding deficits within pre-determined parameters and establishing a fixed debt to GDP ratio. “ These policies, being pursued in partnership with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). have placed Jamaica on a path of sustainable economic and social development,” the Jamaican Ambassador told the U.S. official.

The Jamaican Ambassador, who assumed office some two months ago and presented credentials to United States President Barack Obama on June 28, has been focusing on strengthening Jamaica-US relations especially in terms of increased investment and trade opportunities, as well as deepening the links between Jamaica and its Diaspora.

Over the past few weeks she has also met with members of the U.S. Congress and will continue on Thursday with Congressman Elliott Engels, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Western Affairs.

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