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Trade Policy Review Body    
 
* In Original language only/ En langue originale seulement /En el idioma original solamente . 
  JAMAICA  
DRAFT MINUTES  OF THE MEETING* HELD ON 13 AND 15 SEPTEMBER 2017 
Delegations are invited to submit factual corrections, if any, on their own statement to the 
Secretariat ( Mrs Barbara Blanquart: barbara. blanquart@wto.org , or to  tprd@wto.org ) no later 
than 24 October 2017 . 
 
Organe d'examen des politiques commerciales  
 
JAMAÏQUE  
PROJET DE COMPTE REN DU DE LA RÉUNION* TENUE LES 13 ET 15 SEPTEMBRE 2 017 
Les délégations sont i nvitées à soumettre  leurs éventuelles corrections factuelles concernant leurs 
propres déclarations au Secrétariat ( Mme Barbara Blanquart: barbara.blanquart@wto.org , ou 
tprd@wto.org ) le 24 octobre 2017  au plus tard.  
 
Órgano de Examen de las Políticas Comerciales  
 
JAMAICA  
PROYECTO DE ACTA DE LA REUNIÓN* CELEBRADA LOS DÍAS 13 Y 15 DE SEPTIEMBR E DE 2017  
Las delegaciones pueden enviar a la Secretaría (Sr a. Barbara Blanquart: 
barbara.blanquart@wto.org , o tprd@wto.org ) a más tardar el 24 de octubre de 2017  las 
correcciones fácticas que deseen introducir en sus propias declaraciones.  
 
 
_____________ __ 
 WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
JAMAICA  
MINUTES OF THE MEETI NG 
Chairperson: H.E. Mr Juan Carlos Gonzalez (Colombia)  
CONTENTS  
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS  BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .......................  3 
2  OPENING STATEMENT BY  THE REPRESENTATIVE O F JAMAICA  ................................ ..... 5 
3  STATEMENT BY THE DIS CUSSANT  ................................ ................................ ..............  10 
4  STAT EMENTS BY MEMBERS  ................................ ................................ ........................  14 
5  REPLIES BY THE REPRE SENTATIVE OF JAMAICA  AND ADDITIONAL COMME NTS ........  41 
6  CONCLUDING REMARKS B Y THE CHAIRPE RSON  ................................ .........................  50 
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies 
provided by Jamaica are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/359/Add.1 and will be available 
online at http:// www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm.  WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS  BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
1.1.  The fourth Trade Policy Review of Jamaica was held on 13 and 15 September 2017. The 
Chairperson, H.E. Mr. Juan Carlos Gonzalez (Colombia) welcomed the delegation of J amaica 
headed by Her Excellency Mrs. Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign 
Trade; the rest of the delegation; and the discussant, Ambassador Högni S. Kristjánsson (Iceland).  
1.2.  The Chairperson expressed to the Minister and to the count ries of the Caribbean his 
sympathies and solidarity because of the hurricane damage that had been done. He understood 
that Jamaica was not hit directly but he knew it was a big problem in the region so he thanked the 
delegation of Jamaica for being there d espite the situation. Members were honoured to have the 
Minister present at the meeting.  
1.3.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of the Trade Policy Reviews and the main elements of 
the procedures for the meeting. The report by Jamaica was contained in docume nt WT/TPR/G/359 
and that of the WTO Secretariat in WT/TPR/S/359.  
1.4.  Questions by the following delegations had been submitted in writing before the deadline: 
Australia; Mexico; Colombia; Canada; Republic of Korea; Singapore; Costa Rica; United States; 
Brazil;  European Union; and Dominican Republic. The following delegations submitted written 
questions after the deadline: Chile; Japan; China; Trinidad and Tobago; and Indonesia.  
1.5.  During the previous TPR meeting in 2011, Members had praised Jamaica for having cont inued 
reforming its economy despite experiencing a series of external shocks and a large public debt. It 
had also been noted that the country had not witnessed major improvements in its economic 
performance, including its exports. Jamaica had been encourag ed to continue its efforts to lower 
trade costs, expand its limited export base, improve infrastructure and energy supply as well as to 
enhance the competitiveness of its goods and services trade.  
1.6.  Coming up to the current review period, trade and trade -related reform initiatives had been 
undertaken in several areas, such as the simplification of the tax system; broadening the tax base; 
and implementing an electronic platform for the payment of taxes. Jamaica had also issued or 
amended a large amount of legi slation since 2011, including the Insolvency Act, the Fiscal 
Incentives Act, the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Act, the Public Procurement Act, the Bank 
Services Act, and the Electricity Act, among others. As indicated by the advanced written 
questions, Mem bers were looking forward to learn more about Jamaica's reform agenda in these 
areas.  
1.7.  With regards to Jamaica's participation in the multilateral trading system, Members also 
recalled that, at the time of the previous review, they had commended Jamaica's a ctive 
participation in the WTO, including in the Doha Development Agenda, and its initiatives to advance 
special and differential treatment for developing countries. Jamaica continued to be an active 
participant in the multilateral trading system. Notably,  it had ratified the Fifth Protocol to the GATS 
in 2012 and the Trade Facilitation Agreement in January 2016. Jamaica was also a proponent of 
the Work Programmes on Small Economies, supporting the view that the needs and priorities of 
such economies had to  be addressed fully and in all areas of the WTO.  
1.8.  With regard to trade policy, while at the time of the previous review Members had highlighted 
the overall openness of the Jamaican economy, some concerns had been raised about the costs of 
tariffs and variou s other duties and charges, and whether excessive import taxation could be 
constraining Jamaica's competitiveness. Members had also expressed concerns about the use of 
non-tariff charges such as customs fees and additional stamp duties on certain agricultu ral 
products. Also, Members had encouraged Jamaica to eliminate its remaining export subsidies by 
2015 in line with WTO requirements. On this latter matter, Jamaica's 2014 Omnibus Incentives 
Legislation had repealed the four incentive schemes that had been  notified to the WTO as 
containing export subsidies.  
1.9.  Other issues of interest to Members at the time of the previous review in 2011 included the 
following: modernization of customs procedures, challenges in meeting international quality 
standards, divestme nt of state -owned enterprises, SPS requirements for imports of certain 
agricultural products, and IPR legislation and enforcement, in particular in the area of patents.  WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  1.10.   The Chairperson drew Members' attention to some issues of interest to them derived from  
the advance written questions submitted for this TPR. These included, among others, the 
following: the new Customs Act that was to be adopted to facilitate trade; the increase in 
Jamaica's simple average applied MFN tariff from 9.4% in 2010 to 10.4% in 20 17 mainly due to 
increases on some items of CARICOM's CET; MFN applied rates exceeding their bound levels for 
some 32 tariff lines; the new Foreign Trade Policy and the road map and project plan being 
developed by the Trade Facilitation Task Force; steps t o deepen the CARICOM single market; plans 
to remove additional stamp duties and to streamline import procedures; preparation of the 
implementing regulations for the Public Procurement Act; IPR protection and amendments to the 
Copyright Act; plans to lower tariff protection on agricultural products; plans to end the monopoly 
in the electricity sector; and attempts to remove barriers to trade in services.  
1.11.   This meeting would be a good opportunity for Members to discuss in greater detail issues of 
interest to t hem and of systemic importance to the multilateral trading system. The Chairperson 
looked forward to a fruitful exchange.  
1.12.   Before he opened up the floor for discussion, the Chairperson referred to two requests 
received for the TPR of the West African Econom ic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) scheduled for 25 
and 27 October 2017. He indicated that the Commission of WAEMU had requested observer status 
for the TPR of WAEMU Members (Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea -Bissau, Mali, Niger, 
Senegal and Togo). Ind eed, the Commission had helped in the preparation of the Review of its 
member States and was, according to the WAEMU Treaty, in charge of the formulation of the 
common trade policy of its members, including the negotiation of their bilateral trade agreemen ts. 
Therefore, in the absence of objection, the Chairperson suggested Members accept this request.  
1.13.   He also informed Members that UNIDO had requested ad hoc observer status for the TPR of 
WAEMU Members. As it had been the case for a number of previous TPRs , the Chairperson also 
suggested that Members agree to this request.  WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY  THE REPRESENTATIVE O F JAMAICA (H.E. MRS.  KAMINA 
JOHNSON SMITH)  
Introduction  
2.1.  Mr. Chairman, my delegation and I are pleased to be here with you and other Members of th e 
WTO for this the 4th Trade Policy Review of Jamaica. Our participation this morning is particularly 
noteworthy, as recent natural disasters in our hemisphere, presented significant challenges for 
travel to Geneva by several members of the delegation. Ind eed, the nexus between trade and 
climate change is increasingly becoming a part of our reality.  
2.2.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of recent natural disasters, which have 
affected countries of several regions of the world, including ours.  
2.3.  Mr. Chairman, I would like at the outset to thank H.E. Hogni S. Kristjansson, Permanent 
Representative of Iceland for assuming the role of Discussant. I also thank those WTO 
Members/delegations that have taken the time to be here with us today and for submitt ing 
questions as a further demonstration of their commitment to the process. Let me also extend deep 
appreciation to the staff of the WTO for their hard work in the compilation of the Secretariat report 
and their contribution to the wider arrangements for this Review.  
2.4.  Jamaica's longstanding commitment to an inclusive, transparent and rules -based multilateral 
trading system is beyond question. We joined the GATT in 1963, only one year after our 
independence in 1962, and were a founding Member of the WTO in 1 995.  
Economic environment  
2.5.  Mr. Chairman, since our last review, the primary focus of the Government of Jamaica has 
been on sustainable economic growth, inclusive job creation and maintaining fiscal prudence. In 
May 2013, the Government signed a US$932 mill ion four -year Extended Fund Facility (EFF) 
agreement with the IMF, with a view to achieving fiscal and debt sustainability, improve external 
competitiveness and lay the foundation for improving economic growth and employment.   
2.6.  In an unprecedented demonstr ation of goodwill and mutual trust, the Government of Jamaica 
negotiated a three year provisional Stand By Agreement (SBA) with the IMF, six months prior to 
the expiration of the Extend Fund Facility. The US$1.64 billion provisional SBA with the IMF is a 
precautionary measure, to hedge against unforeseen external economic shocks and to provide the 
necessary policy space within which to achieve the Government's overall economic reform 
programme, including tax policy reform and the trade and business facilita tion reform agenda. The 
SBA is also intended to provide further support to the Government's economic growth and job 
creation agenda, as well as public sector transformation and modernization. Jamaica's 
macroeconomic policies and strategies have also contin ued to operate within the framework of 
Vision 2030 Jamaica, our National Development Plan, which seeks to place the country on a path 
to attain developed country status by 2030. This plan is aligned with the Sustainable Development 
Goals (SDGs).  
2.7.  Trade (whi ch accounts for over 70% of GDP) and investment are acknowledged as critical 
components of the national economic growth agenda. Jamaica is leveraging the value of its global 
brand and taking active steps to penetrate new markets, expand exports into existi ng markets, 
and to integrate further into global value chains. We are addressing supply -side constraints; 
improving quality standards; and the application of science, technology and innovation (STI) to 
improve productivity.  
2.8.  These efforts have been strength ened through the contributions of the Economic Growth 
Council (EGC) comprised of members of the private sector. The Council was established by the 
Prime Minister of Jamaica in August 2016, to advise the Cabinet on a set of policies and reforms 
designed to stimulate economic growth. Having submitted its recommendations, the EGCs 
mandate is now to oversee the implementation of the national growth agenda. It has set an 
ambitious target of achieving 5% growth per annum in GDP in the next four years - the "5 -in-4" 
plan. The EGC is an innovative model of public -private sector partnership for national 
development.  WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  2.9.  Mr Chairman, when Jamaica undertook its 3rd Trade Policy Review in 2011, much attention 
was paid to the ongoing effort to recover from the global financi al and economic crises which 
began in 2008. Global developments such as the slow growth in international trade and increasing 
tendencies towards protectionism in some markets together with restrictive measures such as 
de-risking by international correspond ent banks, have presented new threats to the country's 
ability to effectively participate in the global economy. Notwithstanding these challenges, Jamaica 
has made significant strides.  
2.10.   Growth in the Jamaican economy increased to 1.5% in 2016, following an  increase of 0.8% 
in 2015. The expansion in 2016 was largely influenced by increased consumer and investor 
confidence which were both measured at their highest in 2016 since we commenced the 
measurements of those LDCs 16 years ago. We have also experienced  a stable macroeconomic 
environment. There have been improvements in key economic indicators. Jamaica's balance of 
payments recorded a fifth consecutive year of improvement in 2016, as well as the lowest current 
account deficit in 15 years. The current acc ount balance for the 2016 calendar year improved by 
US$327.1 million to record a deficit of US$103.0 million, relative to 2015, representing a 
continuation of the improvements observed over the last four years.  
2.11.   Another key economic indicator - the Net Int ernational Reserves (NIR) - also increased 
relative to 2015, to US$2.7 billion at the end of 2016. Gross reserves amounted to US$3.3 billion, 
representing 24.7 weeks of projected goods and services imports at the year -end for 2016. The 
Jamaican economy als o continued to show positive improvements in the rate of inflation. In 2016, 
Jamaica's annual inflation of 1.7% was not only lower than in 2015, but was the lowest rate for a 
calendar year since 1964.  
2.12.   The Government is pursuing enhanced tax reform through the implementation of a simpler, 
more efficient and broader tax base, alongside an equitable tax system which will eliminate 
distortions and provide an incentive for economic growth. It is also perusing critical strategies such 
as pension reform, public se ctor transformation and modernization, the reduction of 
unemployment, and the implementation of Growth Inducement Strategies focused primarily on 
emerging sectors such as Special Economic Zones (SEZs), new ICT and Business Process 
Outsourcing (BPOs). Cabin et has also approved a Public -Private Partnership (PPP) Policy to guide 
the long -term relationship between Government and the private sector.  
2.13.   In 2017, the Jamaican economy is forecast to grow within the range of 1.5% to 2.5%. 
However, as events unfolding i n our region demonstrate, the impact of adverse weather conditions 
exacerbated by climate change could threaten the attainment of this growth target. Indeed, the 
estimated 0.3% increase in economic growth for the April to June quarter, the second consecuti ve 
period of reduced growth Jamaica has seen for 2017 is attributed to weather -related shocks which 
affected the island earlier this year.  
2.14.   It is anticipated that for the remainder of the fiscal year, which ends on 31 March 2018, 
there will be a strengtheni ng in the pace of growth resulting in a fiscal year outturn within the 
range of 2 to 3%. This forecast is partly predicated on the resumption of productive activity at the 
country's largest Alumina Plant (Alpart), which is expected to drive growth in exces s of 20% in the 
mining and quarrying industry, for this fiscal year.  
Sector strategies and performance  
2.15.   Mr. Chairman, agriculture continues to play an important role in the Jamaican economy, 
contributing to gross domestic product (GDP), employment and rura l development. In 2016, the 
sector accounted for 7.3% of GDP, real value -added for the industry expanded by 13.5%. The 
Government of Jamaica has put in place a wide range of complementary policies, programmes and 
strategies geared toward improving producti on, efficiency and competitiveness in the sector. Some 
of the key policies include the establishment of Agro -Parks, which seek to integrate all aspects of 
the agricultural value chain from pre -production to marketing; implementation of the National 
Food an d Nutrition Security Policy and Action Plan, a National Food safety Policy; and a National 
Youth in Agriculture Policy. Work is also underway to streamline into single regulatory body, the 
operations of the agricultural commodity boards and the Export Divi sion in the Ministry of 
Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries (MICAF). It is anticipated that this new Jamaica WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA) will be fully operational by the end of 
2017.  
2.16.   Working with our development partners , specific projects have been put in place to increase 
our agricultural exports, including the Agricultural Competitiveness Programme, which was 
launched in 2014. It aims to enhance competitiveness in the agricultural industry through the 
promotion of acce ss to markets, stimulation of private sector investment, and strengthening 
Jamaica's food quality and safety management systems. As part of this ACP, a GLOBAL G.A.P. 
Certification Programme has also been developed. Certification to the GLOBAL G.A.P. standa rd will 
ensure that production, including in the Agro -parks, complies with sanitary, phytosanitary and food 
safety requirements.  
2.17.   The manufacturing industry accounted for 8.5% of GDP in 2016 and real value -added 
increased by 0.2%. Policies and programmes fo r the industry have been implemented to enhance 
the business environment, to provide institutional support and capacity -building and to increase 
competitiveness in order to facilitate higher value added production and exports.  
2.18.   The services sector accounts  for 78.8% of GDP. The sector continues to be buoyed by the 
performance of the tourism industry. Jamaica earned a record US$2 billion during the first 
8 months of 2017 from 2.8 million visitors. This figure represents an increase of 8.3% in gross 
foreign e xchange earnings over the US$1.83 billion earned last year, over the same period. Cruise 
passenger arrivals also increased over the same period. The Government has targeted the 
development and strengthening of sustainable linkages between the tourism indus try and other 
productive sectors of the economy, such as agriculture, manufacturing and entertainment. The 
objectives are to create employment and increase the generation and retain foreign exchange.  
2.19.   The Government of Jamaica is currently focusing on dive rsifying the services sector as well, 
including through the development of an International Financial Services Centre and the promotion 
of cultural and creative industries. Plans are also underway to develop medical, health and 
wellness -related tourism ser vices.  
2.20.   Micro, small and medium -sized enterprises (MSMEs) are considered vital players in 
Jamaica's economic development. Policies and programmes are focused on key areas of 
intervention including the provision of business advisory services, financing and c redit, business 
development support and market intelligence. In 2016, the number of MSMEs operating in Jamaica 
was approximately 9,671 with an estimated 400,000 employees.  
Strategies to promote growth and international competitiveness  
2.21.   Jamaica is a strong p arliamentary democracy with an independent judiciary and common 
law legal system. New legislation to modernize our Partnership laws, the Companies Act and the 
Arbitration Act, which is now based on the UNCITRAL model law, further enhance the business and 
investment environment.  
2.22.   The National Competitiveness Council (NCC) serves as the national focal point for 
competitiveness matters, and in that context, oversees improving business and trade facilitation. 
Much has been achieved under its Business Environment  Reform Agenda (BERA). Up to June 2017, 
various reforms were implemented, including the expansion of the Commercial Division in the 
Supreme Court, the establishment of the Venture Capital Programme and the increased use of 
credit bureaux. The BERA also see ks to enhance Jamaica's performance in key international 
indices, namely the Doing Busing Report, the Global Competitiveness Index and the Logistics 
Performance Index. Jamaica achieved its highest ranking of 58 out of 189 countries in the Doing 
Business Re port 2015 and also performed well in the Logistics Performance Index with a ranking of 
70 out of 170 countries. By 2015, Jamaica was considered to be the most improved countries in 
the Caribbean, in terms of business climate reforms, and for 2017/2018, FDI  Intelligence has 
ranked Jamaica as one of the top 10 island economies of the future.  
2.23.   Jamaica ratified the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation in 2016 and has since notified its 
Category A, B and C commitments to the WTO. A Trade Facilitation Task Force c omprising 
representatives of the public and private sectors was established in 2015 to facilitate consultation 
and coordination in relation to the implementation of trade facilitation measures. Since its WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  establishment, the task Force has developed a Roadma p and Project Plan for Trade Facilitation and 
has partnered with the World Bank, the ITC and other international development partners to 
obtain technical assistance and training. Jamaica is currently working on a National Trade 
Information Portal. There ha ve also been significant improvements in the modernization of 
customs procedure, including the implementation of ASYCUDA World, resulting in the introduction 
of a modern, fully integrated Customs management system.  
2.24.   Jamaica's National Export Strategy (NES) seeks to improve export performance by 
advancing the competitiveness of firms and sectors. It recognizes the fact that the export sector is 
crucial to the development of the Jamaican economy due to the small size of our domestic market. 
It has also identif ied five priority sectors in which Jamaica has a competitive advantage, and 
outlines five (5) cross -cutting areas of focus.  
2.25.   The Information Communications and Technology/Business Processing Outsourcing 
(ICT/BPO) industry is a strong performer, and a key s ector in Jamaica's growth strategy. It should 
be noted that in 2012 there were 13,250 persons employed in the industry and the number of 
firms stood at 32. Based on surveys conducted by the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), 
employment in the industr y was estimated at 25,000 employees as at March 2017, representing 
approximately 90% increase over 2012. It currently generates in excess of US$400 million 
annually. Jamaica has maintained its 6% share of the Caribbean and Latin American market. The 
Govern ment has established an ambitious target for the development of the BPO sector to increase 
employment in the industry by a further 100% by 2020.  
Bilateral and Regional Trade Engagement  
2.26.   As a small, open and trade -dependent economy, Jamaica has continued to  actively pursue 
bilateral and regional initiatives with a view to expanding opportunities for export diversification 
and market expansion. Furthermore, it is expected that the measures being taken to improve our 
productivity and competitiveness will enhan ce our ability to take advantage of the opportunities 
afforded by our longstanding access to the markets of the United States and Canada via the 
Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) and CARIBCAN, respectively. At the same time, we continue to 
implement commitm ents under the CARIFORUM -EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), in 
accordance with established timelines.  
2.27.   We have also made significant inroads in our implementation of the CARICOM Single Market 
and Economy (CSME). Allied to this, we have continued to ex plore opportunities for enhanced 
trade within the framework of bilateral trade agreements established between CARICOM and 
various regional partners.  
Foreign Trade Policy and Action Plan  
2.28.   Since 2011, Jamaica has been reviewing its foreign trade policy, which  was last revised in 
2001. The new Foreign Trade Policy will further integrate Jamaica's trade regimes into Vision 2030, 
our National Development Plan. The focus of the Policy will be on strengthening Jamaica's trade 
regime to support the production of goo ds and services which are competitive in the global 
market, taking into account the changed realities of the production process; a constantly evolving 
multilateral trading system; and new approaches to development. The revised Foreign Trade Policy 
and the accompanying implementation Action Plan are now with Cabinet for approval.  
WTO technical assistance and capacity building  
2.29.   Mr. Chairman, Jamaica was pleased to have been selected as one of four Members to 
participate in the Technical Assistance Audit condu cted in the summer of 2016. This revealed that 
the WTO Technical Assistance and Capacity Building (TACB) activities continue to be relevant and 
beneficial to developing country Members. Throughout the years, the WTO TACB has helped 
Jamaica to train and imp rove the skills of our technical experts and trade negotiators. We 
encourage the WTO to expand on its suite of technical assistance programmes, making greater use 
of information technology in order to reach as wide an audience as possible.  WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  Engagement in th e WTO work programme  
2.30.   As Member countries will be aware, Jamaica has remained actively engaged in the regular 
work programme of the WTO, as well as the negotiations towards advancing the Doha 
Development Agenda.  
2.31.   Since our last Trade Policy Review in 2011, Jamaica has played its part in the negotiation 
and conclusion of the MC9 Bali Package, which included the Agreement on Trade Facilitation. Now 
that we are approaching MC11, Jamaica is once again focused on working with our partners 
towards meaningful outco mes in Buenos Aries. It is for these reasons that Jamaica continues to 
support the proposals of the ACP Group, the G90, the SVEs and the G33.  
2.32.   It is well established that trade is an essential driver of the development. Jamaica, 
therefore, attaches great im portance to the adoption of development -centred approaches when 
seeking to augment the rules of international trade. It is significant to note that since Jamaica's 
third review in January 2011, ten countries have acceded to membership of the WTO and nine o f 
the ten are developing countries desirous of growing their economies through increased trade.  
2.33.   Finally, Mr. Chairman, Jamaica reiterates its commitment to a rules -based multilateral 
trading system. In these times of global economic challenges and uncertai nties, when 
multilateralism itself is facing unprecedented pressure, the WTO must assert itself and reaffirm the 
continued relevance of the Multilateral Trading System. For this to happen, it cannot be business 
as usual. We must build upon our recent achie vements and constructively engage to move the 
goals and objectives of this Organization forward, for the benefit of all, especially the most 
vulnerable among us.  
2.34.   The WTO has a clear and important role to play in ensuring that no Member State is left 
behind . I thank you.  WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DIS CUSSANT  
3.1.  Before going into the substance of my statement allow me to express my deepest 
condolences to the people in the Caribbean Region that have been affected by the catastrophic 
consequences of the recent hurricane.  
3.2.  Let me begin by congratulating Jamaica on this very important TPR and I wish the delegation 
all the best for the review here today and Friday.  
Introduction  
3.3.  It has been very interesting for me to be part of this review over the last few weeks. One 
reason is clearly that I see similarities between Jamaica and my own country. I also recognize how 
those similarities can affect economic realities and even produce comparable outcomes and 
challenges. Harsh nature is one thing, another is lack of diversity, the thir d is the strong reliance 
on external trade and a fourth one may be the consequence of the three; fluctuating economy.  
3.4.  With all of this in mind I have been impressed by the clear vision of Jamaican authorities. 
That vision was obvious from the 2010 TPR and it is even clearer from the current one with specific 
reference to Vision 2030 - Jamaica National Development Plan and its coverage and broad overall 
objectives.  
3.5.  My general assessment is that the policymaking outlined in 2010 is yielding success.  
3.6.  The sign s are that Jamaica is on the right track.  
3.7.  Maybe we should not be surprised. After all they are known for being among the quickest on 
the track.  
Economy  
3.8.  If we begin with the economy, we see clear improvements on almost all fronts compared to 
the previous r eview.  
3.9.  The economic policy is to a certain extent framed by the current IMF Standby Arrangement, 
which is a follow -up from the IMF Extended Fund Facility entered into in 2013. For my country, we 
fully realize the importance of cooperating with the IMF unde r circumstances like this.  
3.10.   Both programmes seem to have been successful as key indicators show improvements and 
the authorities seem to be meeting key objectives of the current programme.  
3.11.   According to the most recent information from the IMF, primary surpl us is above 7% of GDP 
for a fourth consecutive year, debt is firmly declining, inflation is modest and international 
reserves are above the programme target. If we compare these numbers to the previous review 
we realize the significant progress made.  
3.12.   The c hallenge is to maintain this momentum and at the same time address the remaining 
weaknesses like still high unemployment rate and weak growth.  
3.13.   Again on that front, the Jamaican Government has a clear vision and policies to build on but 
continues to be depe ndent on external factors like unpredictable nature and strong and open 
international markets. Drought conditions are having an adverse impact on agriculture and recent 
flooding may have a negative impact on growth this year and the next. In addition to th is, there is 
also the recent national disaster related to the Hurricane as claimed by the Minister.  
3.14.   However, I note the upbeat estimates by the Government regarding growth figures this year 
and the next which reflects significant improvements in number of areas.  
3.15.   But structural challenges are there to be dealt with in order to progress further, like taking 
measures to increase efficiency, improve public financial management, and address infrastructure WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  bottlenecks in key areas like energy and transport. Furt her efforts should also be made to diversify 
the economy in order to create further pillars for the economy to build on.  
3.16.   The Government has taken and is taking policy decisions in order to address these 
challenges in particular through structural reforms.  
3.17.   These improvements are making Jamaica more resilient to sustain external shocks.  
Main economic sectors  
3.18.   Main sectors of the Jamaican economy remain services, agriculture, mining and 
manufacturing industries.  
3.19.   Services accounts for over 70% of GDP and has be en growing steadily over the review 
period, tourism -related activities leading the growth. Around 67% of the workforce is employed in 
the services sector and it is contributing significantly to export and foreign currency earnings with 
considerable positiv e services balance.  
3.20.   Over 17% of the total workforce is engaged in agriculture. The sector is important export 
industry accounting for around 20% of total merchandise exports in 2016 and has been growing 
following recovering from natural catastrophes in re cent years.  
3.21.   Mining, quarrying and alumina products are dominating the merchandise export of Jamaica, 
accounting for 47% of such export in 2016. I was, of course, very happy to see my country on the 
list of major buyers of alumina products from Jamaica. In some of these industries we still see 
direct government involvement through ownership. Government plans are to divest from these 
industries, which is a positive policy in the long term.  
Trade  
3.22.   When it comes to trade, Jamaica is an example of a country where  economic prosperity 
depends very much on international trade. And actually, here we have yet another example of the 
very fact that small States are those that rely most on open and transparent international trade.  
3.23.   At the same time, the challenge of the Ja maican authorities is to seek ways to diversify the 
export base as merchandise export is, to a large extent, composed of chemicals and mineral 
products, accounting for more than 60%.  
3.24.   As already mentioned, services are one of the most important parts of the  economy of 
Jamaica and are consequently more and more an important source of export and foreign currency 
earnings.  
3.25.   As indicated, main objective of the economic policy of Jamaica is a considerable and 
sustainable growth, the Growth Agenda Policy. Number o f issues need to fall into place for the 
support of that objective.  
3.26.   One is clearly in the area of external trade and, on that front there are issues to be tackled, 
even issues that were raised in the last review.  
3.27.   To begin with, it is welcomed that the Gove rnment is focused on trade facilitation as one 
pillar of the growth agenda reflected in the establishment of Trade Facilitation Task Force and the 
subsequent policy making. In that context, it is, of course, very welcomed that the WTO Trade 
Facilitation Ag reement has been ratified by Jamaica.  
3.28.   It is also important to look closely into concerns related to issues like customs procedures. 
There, we see improvements through for example changes in risk assessment, which means that 
clearance of cargo is quicker th an before. At the same time, Jamaica would benefit from further 
improvements as its performance regarding import time and cost is still lacking behind neighbours. 
In the long term, more automaticity like electronic customs clearances could facilitate furth er 
progress. Another issue highlighted in the last report and is repeated again now is the valuation WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  problem or, in other words, under -invoicing on basis of which the Government might be losing 
important revenues.   
3.29.   Another challenging area is tariffs. The re, the first important challenge is the fact that tariffs 
or customs duties are both the main trade policy tool of the Government and the largest source of 
revenues. That means that any liberalization can become complicated. Some improvements are 
recogniz ed over the report period. The IMF has recognized that system for waivers for duties and 
taxes are now more transparent and rule -based.  
3.30.   However the picture is still complicated and even with some steps backwards from the 
previous review. Fewer tariff line s are duty free compared to the last review and, in addition, 
considerable number of lines record duties beyond bindings that is of concern for members.  
3.31.   The system of stamp duty is also of concern and then on top of that additional stamp duty 
mainly on ag ricultural products. These duties are on top of any tariffs. It could be in the benefit of 
cross border trade to take a broad look at this system with the objective of streamlining it.  
Reforms - Since last TPR  
3.32.   Previous review was marked by economic difficu lties, very much crisis dominated. At the 
same time, Jamaican Government had begun to take initiatives to address the challenges both 
immediate actions and with more longer term policy making like Vision 2030, which remains at the 
heart of current policy m aking and policy actions.  
3.33.   In the current review, it is clear that reforms undertaken are having a positive impact and 
further improvements are to be expected with further measures being implemented in a number of 
sectors.  
3.34.   If we begin with general economic policy, the cooperation with the IMF has meant that the 
Government is working towards very clear objectives in terms of closing the budget deficit, 
reducing debt, seek stability and stimulate job creation.  
3.35.   This includes significant improvements on tax pol icy like reduction of waivers. In that 
context, I have noted in questions from delegations concerns regarding complexity of the import 
duties, in particular with reference to stamp duties.  
3.36.   Inflation is historically low and the current account deficit is do wn to 3.2% which is 
significant improvement from the last review.  
3.37.   At the same time, a cornerstone of the policy making of the Government should continue to 
be significant strengthening of growth over a long term. Key factor there is to foster private sect or 
led growth. For that purpose, measures are being taken in a number of areas. In that context, 
high crime rate continues to hamper growth potential in the private sector.  
3.38.   Furthermore, development of the Caricom Single Market could give stronger support t o the 
growth agenda of the Government.  
3.39.   Further improvements are on the table in various sectors of the economy.  
3.40.   If looking at agriculture, the report of the Secretariat reveals a complex structure of 
government intervention in export and trade.  
3.41.   The reform  agenda initiated by the Government has clearly the ambition of streamlining this 
regulatory structure that should at the end of the day benefit the sector. At the same time, it 
might be worthwhile considering reviewing the necessity of government involvem ent in cross 
border trade in a number of agricultural products.  
3.42.   In mining, the Government is in the process of reducing its involvement in the sector by 
divesting some of its holdings. In addition, policymaking is underway in order to further advance 
the sector in the direction of being sustainable but at the same time contribute further to national 
development by increased competitiveness in the global market. Key elements are increased WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  efficiency and modernized sector. In order to achieve this, it is clea r that the Government will need 
to address challenges like energy infrastructure.  
3.43.   In the manufacturing sector, challenges remain like low labour productivity, high cost for 
energy, transport and capital as well as burdensome administrative procedures. This  is being 
addressed through policymaking based on Vision 2030, which again serves here as an important 
tool in addressing weaknesses in the economy.  
3.44.   Finally, in the financial services sector, comprehensive measures have been taken to 
strengthen the legal f ramework, certain requirements and surveillance mechanism. Challenges 
remain in the banking sector for example with regard to impact of the so called de -risking. 
Authorities should be applauded for their policy making in this area towards modernized, 
well-regulated and transparent international financial jurisdiction. In this regard, experience of my 
own country, for example, is an example of the importance of strong legal framework, strict 
requirements and surveillance with clear requirements to be fulfill ed by those running financial 
institutions.  
Final remarks  
3.45.   As repeated in my intervention the current review of the Trade Policy of Jamaica is 
conducted in a completely different environment than the previous one.  
3.46.   It is clear that the policy decisions of the Government are having positive impact and clear 
vision embedded in Vision 2030 towards the ultimate objective of becoming a developed country is 
on track.  
3.47.   At the same time, challenges remain and some of them, like unpredictable nature, will 
always be t here as we are reminded of these days.  
3.48.   Different indexes illustrate that there is still some way to go but progress is being made. To 
accelerate planned reforms could facilitate increased investment and trust that should soon reflect 
in such indexes that might encourage businesses and investors to look to Jamaica.  
3.49.   But with solid foundations like strong economy, clear policy making, strong institutions and 
stability, Jamaica will become resilient enough to deal with such challenges without entering into 
crisis mode as has often happen in the past. Thank you.  WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBER S 
AUSTRALIA  
4.1.  Allow me to start by acknowledging the strong leadership of the Jamaican WTO Ambassador 
in Geneva, Wayne McCook.  
4.2.  Over the period of review, growth in Jamaica has been ver y gradually strengthening. 
Maintaining momentum will be important, underpinned by ongoing and future economic reforms 
and supported by the new Foreign trade Policy.  
4.3.  Australia notes that tariffs and other duties and charges on imports remain a key trade pol icy 
instrument for Jamaica but, at the same time, we also note the continued high level of tariffs on 
some agricultural products.  
4.4.  Although the level of economic engagement between Australia and Jamaica has traditionally 
been limited, we welcome our coopera tion together in international fora, including the WTO. While 
facing its own economic challenges, including a decline in manufacturing and its vulnerability to 
the negative effects of natural phenomenon, Jamaica has continued to take steps to advance 
liberalisation in the trade and services sectors.  
4.5.  We encourage Jamaica to continue to explore tourism opportunities, given the improvements 
in this sector over the past two years. We hope that such potential growth could help Jamaica to 
address the stubbornly h igh youth unemployment.  
4.6.  Australia acknowledges the important leading role that Jamaica continues to play in the 
promotion of regional market integration. Its active participation in the Caribbean Single Market 
Economy (CSME) has promoted the free trade of goods and services between CARICOM members 
of the CSME and the free movement of certain categories of labour.  
4.7.  In closing, Australia will continue to work with Jamaica along with other CARICOM members 
to strengthen and deepen our relationship, while also en couraging sustained economic 
performance through trade and investment growth.  
MÉXICO  
4.8.  Este cuarto examen nos brinda una excelente oportunidad para reconocer la activa 
participación de Jamaica en la OMC, así como agradecer las invaluables contribuciones, e e sfuerzo 
y la entrega del Embajador Wayne McCook, tanto en su papel como representante de su país, 
como en su función de Presidente del Grupo de Negociación de Normas.  
4.9.  En los últimos 6 años, Jamaica ha registrado progresos en el restablecimiento de la 
estab ilidad macroeconómica, en buena medida gracias a la implementación de su programa de 
reforma económica.  
4.10.   Entre sus avances destacamos:  
i. A pesar de contar con el nivel más alto de la región de América Latina y el Caribe, es de 
destacar la reducción de su deud a pública, al pasar del 140,3% al 122,5% de su PIB, 
principalmente debido a la disminución del gasto público, y a que los ingresos se han 
mantenido constantes.  
ii. La creación de un portal de contratación pública, que permite la presentación electrónica 
de ofe rtas. Asimismo, Jamaica es uno de los seis países de la región en donde se pueden 
presentar facturas electrónicas como parte de este sistema.  
iii. Implementación de importantes modificaciones a su política tributaria, logrando con ello 
un marco más transparente  y equitativo.  
iv. Disminución importante de su nivel de inflación, al pasar de 7,3% a 4,1% en periodo de 
examen.  
4.11.   Esto le ha llevado a mejorar su calificación crediticia y aumentar el nivel de confianza de los 
inversionistas.  WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  4.12.   Sin embargo, persiste el bajo crec imiento económico que ha aquejado al país por décadas y 
apunta a la necesidad de proseguir las reformas, particularmente aquellas que le permita 
promover el empleo, fortalecer la seguridad social, aumentar la eficiencia del sector público y 
mantener la for taleza del sistema financiero.  
4.13.   Reconocemos los esfuerzos del Gobierno de Jamaica para mejorar el entorno comercial, 
fomentar la atracción de inversión extranjera y estimular el crecimiento. Lo anterior mediante 
estrategias que buscan una mayor integración al sistema multilateral de comercio y a las cadenas 
globales de valor, como la creación de Zonas económicas especiales y la iniciativa para convertirse 
en un centro mundial de logística. No obstante, se requieren más esfuerzos para mitigar 
obstáculos que m erman la competitividad y el desarrollo, entre otros el crimen, la inseguridad y la 
ineficiencia administrativa son comúnmente citados por la comunidad empresarial como factores 
disuasivos.  
4.14.   Los aranceles y demás derechos aplicados a las importaciones const ituyen una porción 
importante y creciente de los ingresos del Gobierno. No podemos dejar de mencionar la 
preocupación respecto a los aranceles aplicados que excedieron el nivel consolidado, incluso con 
diferencias que superan los 10 puntos porcentuales en ciertas líneas arancelarias. Nos gustaría 
saber si Jamaica ha tomado medidas para subsanar esta discrepancia.  
4.15.   Los servicios continúan siendo el sector con mayor contribución a la economía con el 70% 
del PIB y el 67% de la población activa.  
4.16.   En materia de te lecomunicaciones, destacan las medidas que han reforzado la competencia 
en el sector, como la portabilidad de números, la reducción de la tarifa de terminación móvil, y el 
impresionante incremento en la tasa de penetración de internet al pasar en tan solo cinco años del 
4,4% al 65%, convirtiéndose en el principal medio de comunicación en Jamaica.  
4.17.   En transporte, Jamaica ha realizado importantes cambios legislativos, lo que se traducirá en 
la reducción de costos y mejoras de conectividad, que sin duda, impuls arán el turismo, ayudarán a 
diversificar su economía y a generar fuentes de empleo.  
4.18.   El sector del turismo, pilar de la economía, se ha visto fortalecido por importantes 
modificaciones a su marco legislativo, lo que tendrá repercusiones en su competitividad . 
4.19.   Dado que el comercio es un factor determinante en la estrategia de crecimiento de su 
economía, Jamaica tiene aún desafíos que afrontar para facilitar las transacciones internacionales 
y lograr su objetivo de convertirse en un importante centro logístico de la región Caribe.  
4.20.   Conscientes de ello, Jamaica estableció un Grupo de Trabajo sobre Facilitación del 
Comercio, compuesto tanto por sector privado como público. Es importante continuar sus 
esfuerzos dirigidos a la pronta implementación de medidas que fa ciliten el comercio transfronterizo 
como la nueva Ley de Aduana y un uso efectivo de los sistemas de información, gestión aduanera 
y de riesgo.  
4.21.   Mi delegación espera que Jamaica continúe sus esfuerzos de reforma, mantenga su 
compromiso con el sistema multil ateral de comercio, y conserve la apertura de su economía, lo 
que sin duda repercutirá positivamente en su desarrollo y el cumplimiento de los objetivos 
plasmados en su Plan de Desarrollo "Visión 2030".  
4.22.   Concluyo agradeciendo de antemano al Gobierno de Jama ica por las respuestas a las 
preguntas que fueron formuladas por mi delegación. Deseamos a la delegación jamaicana mucho 
éxito en el cuarto Examen de sus políticas comerciales.  
COLOMBIA  
4.23.   Colombia y Jamaica son vecinos que comparten una extensa frontera marí tima, que 
mantienen inmejorables relaciones a nivel diplomático, y que tienen un inmenso potencial para 
profundizar sus relaciones económicas y comerciales. Para Colombia, Jamaica es adicionalmente 
una referencia histórica obligada al referirse al nacimien to de nuestra nación. Bolívar, nuestro 
héroe libertador y primer presidente, escribió en Kingston la hoy llamada "Carta de Jamaica" en la WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  que planteó su visión sobre nuestra nación en el contexto de una América independiente e 
integrada.  
4.24.   Es por todo esto que, en este cuarto examen de política comercial de Jamaica, queremos 
reiterar que para Colombia es una prioridad poder fortalecer el comercio y las inversiones 
bilaterales. A través de CARICOM, Colombia tiene un acuerdo bilateral de alcance parcial en 
materia de bienes con Jamaica, y en materia de servicios tenemos estrategias similares y 
potencialmente complementarias. Nuestras dos economías pueden beneficiarse de una mayor 
integración comercial con un nivel interesante de complementariedad.  
4.25.   Entrando en materia, es pertinente mencionar que Jamaica es un miembro muy importante 
para esta organización. Su consistente y activa  participación sistémica desde su año de ingreso al 
GATT en 1963 y la forma como se ha convertido en un líder al interior del grupo de  los países ACP 
y de los Amigos del Sistema, lo convierte en un jugador relevante para cualquier negociación en 
curso. Como miembros de los Amigos del Sistema Colombia y Jamaica comparten la visión de que 
esta Organización es fundamental para la gobernanza  global. Adicionalmente, con Jamaica como 
miembro de los países ACP, un grupo de países latinoamericano ha venido trabajando de manera 
muy constructiva para lograr resultados en la negociación que pretende disciplinar los subsidios a 
la pesca.  
4.26.   Durante el periodo objeto de examen se señala que Jamaica ha observado un proceso de 
crecimiento lento -menor al 1%, resultado, entre otros, de la caída en los precios de las materias 
primas. Se destaca, sin embargo, el importante esfuerzo macro económico y la pruden te política 
fiscal que ha implementado Jamaica para reducir su déficit presupuestal al 0,7% en la última 
vigencia fiscal.  
4.27.   De igual manera, es destacable la reducción de la inflación y la estabilidad en términos 
generales de su moneda en un esquema de tasa de cambio flexible. Las ambiciosas metas macro 
económicas sin duda ayudarán a cimentar las bases para dinamizar el crecimiento económico.  
4.28.   De la lectura del informe de la Secretaría llama la atención la relativa alta participación  de 
los impuestos aplicad os a las importaciones que representan un 40% de los ingresos del Gobierno. 
Asimismo, la concentración de las exportaciones en bienes primarios como el aluminio y la 
bauxtita, ha generado una vulnerabilidad que busca ser contrarrestada con los esfuerzos de l 
gobierno para diversificar su economía y las fuentes de ingresos del exterior.  
4.29.   En este contexto, destacamos cómo Jamaica ha rediseñado su estrategia de incentivos para 
promover el comercio y la inversión, y ha emprendido la implementación de su Visión 20 30, todo 
lo cual se ha traducido en un mejoramiento de su clima de negocios. Debemos reconocer en 
consecuencia la manera como Jamaica mejoró su posición en materia de clima de negocios para 
atraer Inversión Extranjera Directa al pasar del puesto 81 en 2011 , al 67 en 2017, en el ranking 
del Banco Mundial. Asimismo, el monto de inversión extranjera directa anual que pasó de 
412 millones de dólares EE.UU. en 2011, a 856 millones de dólares EE.UU. en 2016; y el Stock de 
Inversión Extranjera Directa que de 12.19 9 millones de dólares EE.UU. en 2011 se incrementó a 
15,027 millones de dólares EE.UU. en 2016.  
4.30.   También observamos positivamente dentro de su esquema de incentivos para atraer 
inversión, el rol que juegan los servicios financieros y bancarios en general; y  su banca de 
comercio exterior en particular, al haber logrado fortalecer el acceso a crédito de los potenciales 
exportadores, con énfasis en el sector de las PYMES. No en vano hoy Jamaica es reconocida por el 
Banco Mundial como uno de los países en desarr ollo donde es más fácil el acceso al crédito.1 
4.31.   De otra parte, la actualización de su normativa en materia de propiedad intelectual, así 
como en zonas libres y francas, son hitos importantes en la búsqueda por continuar mejorando el 
clima de negocios y las exportaciones. Sin embargo, queda por delante continuar adelantando las 
reformas necesarias para darles mayor seguridad jurídica a los inversionistas nacionales y 
extranjeros.  
                                                
1 Página al pie 28 del Informe de la Secretaría , referencia al Doing Business 2017 del Banco Mundial . WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  4.32.   En materia agrícola llama la atención cómo Jamaica ha incluido la agroindustria en su 
estrategia exportadora. La implementación de la política de mejorar la producción agrícola y su 
participación en la economía a través de diversos instrumentos, dentro de los que destaca el 
modelo de los agro -parques, resulta interesante con miras a f omentar un desarrollo agrícola de los 
países en la región.  
4.33.   En materia de servicios, el 70% de su economía está representada por este sector; 
sobresaliendo la implementación de su estrategia de tercerización de servicios a distancia, 
estrategia en donde di cho sea de paso Colombia también ha venido trabajando para atraer 
inversión y lograr que esta industria sea una importante fuente de recursos externos.  
4.34.   También en el ámbito de los servicios, observamos que la industria turística continúa siendo 
un importa nte motor de la economía. Este sector es de particular interés para Colombia, no sólo 
por el potencial de incrementar el turismo bilateral, como herramienta para dinamizar nuestro 
intercambio y fortalecer el acercamiento cultural entre dos vecinos, sino ta mbién por el interés de 
Colombia de también posicionar al turismo como uno de los principales sectores de desarrollo 
hacia el futuro, tomando como referencia la experiencia de países como Jamaica.  
4.35.   Antes de concluir, quisiéramos destacar y felicitar la lab or del Embajador de Jamaica en 
beneficio de esta Organización, su excelencia Wayne McCook. El Embajador McCook es una voz 
respetada y apreciada por su habilidad y sensatez liderando de manera muy acertada el Grupo de 
Negociación de Reglas.  
4.36.   Para finalizar n uestra intervención, queremos desearle a Jamaica un exitoso examen de 
política comercial.  
CANADA  
4.37.   We would like to thank Ambassador McCook for his tireless efforts at the WTO, both on 
behalf of his country and as Chair of the Rules Committee.  
4.38.   Jamaica is one  of Canada's closest partners in the Caribbean. Our bilateral relationship 
encompasses trade and investment, security and defence cooperation, official development 
assistance, tourism, and a large Jamaican community in Canada, estimated at about 
300,000  people.  
4.39.   Our countries can trace the roots of their trade and investment relationship back to the late 
18th century. Today, Jamaica is one of Canada's leading merchandise trading partners among 
CARICOM countries, and Canada is the third largest export market  for Jamaican goods. Our 
bilateral trade in services is significant and growing and our commercial relationship is particularly 
strong in the financial sector. Also, Jamaica is a beneficiary of the CARIBCAN, a unilateral 
preferential tariff program through  which Canada extends duty -free access to the Canadian market 
for a wide range of goods.   
4.40.   Canada and Jamaica are close neighbours in the Americas and as such we face common 
challenges: creating inclusive growth and jobs for our citizens, addressing challe nges relating to 
migration, crime and security and dealing with the effects of climate change.  
4.41.   Canada is committed to advancing the promotion of free and open trade that contributes to 
sustainable economic growth. As a friend and partner, Canada is pleased  that Jamaica, with its 
Vision 2030 National Development Plan, is also committed to ensuring that the wider population 
benefits from trade through increased revenues and employment.  
4.42.   Canada commends Jamaica for its significant efforts since the last Review to implement 
structural reforms, and stimulate private sector -led growth. This includes the Data Protection Act, 
expected to be tabled in Parliament for fiscal year 2017 -18, and the 2015 Cybercrimes Act. The 
Jamaican Government passed and promulgated the S pecial Economic Zone (SEZ) Act which makes 
provisions in respect of the development and management of these zones in Jamaica. The 
legislation represents a milestone achievement as part of the Global Logistics Hub Initiative. We 
also welcome the fact that, to support reforms, the Jamaican Government requested a new IMF WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  loan in November 2016, a Stand -By Arrangement which the Government is treating as insurance 
against unforeseen external economic shocks.  
4.43.   By pursuing prudent fiscal policy and reducing public debt, Jamaica has made strides 
towards macroeconomic stability. We recognize Jamaica's fiscal discipline during the period under 
review, a challenge for any country, and encourage sustained efforts on this front.  
4.44.   Canada also welcomes the measures that Jama ica has taken to attract larger FDI inflows 
and improve the business climate, resulting in a jump of 14 places in the World Bank's Doing 
Business ranking between 2011 and 2017.  
4.45.   However, Jamaica has struggled with low growth for decades and the latest econo mic 
indicators show little improvement. The fact that one fifth of Jamaican citizens still live under the 
poverty line is a clear indication that Jamaica must maintain its steady implementation of reforms. 
The Economic Growth Council created by Prime Minis ter Holness in 2016 and chaired by 
Canadian -Jamaican businessman Michael Lee Chin, has put together a strategy to achieve 
significant growth in four years and results are beginning to show. While negative external shocks 
have contributed to slow growth, se veral factors continue to hinder growth in Jamaica. Allow me to 
highlight three areas which we believe require increased attention.  
4.46.   First, we are concerned about the security environment. The Government has introduced 
various anti -crime strategies over th e past years, and limited improvements have been noted for 
the first six months of this year. However, in order to see durable improvements in Jamaica's 
security environment, comprehensive measures are needed to address key issues such as chronic 
instituti onal weaknesses in the security forces. Until then, gang -related crime, fear for personal 
safety, and the lack of faith in local institutions to combat these challenges will continue to limit 
economic growth and development in the country.  
4.47.   Second, Canada s upports regional integration as a means to help address the challenges 
Caribbean countries face given their small size and fewer options for economic diversity. 
CARICOM's work to advance the development of its members, including through creation of the 
single market economy is crucial. Jamaica was one of the first member countries to implement the 
first component of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) in 2006. Unfortunately, since 
this positive first step, progress has slowed. Jamaica is a leading and influential regional player 
and Canada encourages Jamaica to continue exercising strong leadership on this issue, which is 
central to the economic development of the region.  
4.48.   Thirdly, in the WTO context, noting that Jamaica ratified the WTO Agreement o n Trade 
Facilitation in January 2016, we encourage Jamaica to submit its outstanding notifications under 
Section II of the Agreement without further delay. We would also encourage Jamaica to accept the 
Protocol to amend the TRIPS Agreement.  
4.49.   Finally, Canad a wishes to express our continued commitment to support the Government 
and people of Jamaica in pursuing sustainable economic growth and combatting the challenges it 
faces domestically and regionally.  
REPUBLIC  OF KOREA  
4.50.   I am pleased that Korea and Jamaica h ave enjoyed an excellent bilateral relationship over 
the years. Trade and investment flows between the two countries, however, remain at a modest 
level. Bilateral trade hovers at around US$30 million. Neither has Korean companies' investment in 
Jamaica rea ched a significant amount.  
4.51.   Yet, in 2011, Korea's East West Power Company entered into the Jamaican electricity 
market with a holding of 40% of the stock of Jamaica Public Service (JPS). We expect that this will 
be followed by further investments by Korean small and medium companies in related sectors.  
4.52.   From 1991 to 2015, Korea provided Jamaica with a development aid of US$7.8 million 
relating to private sector development, urgent relief activities and macroeconomic stabilization 
support.  WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  4.53.   The modest level of bilateral economic relationship is partly due to the great geographic 
distance between the two countries. Nevertheless, we believe that more active efforts to promote 
Jamaica's products and investment environment to the Korean business community will be ab le to 
help expand bilateral commercial flows. We also believe that entering into a trade agreement, 
through the CARICOM, with Korea can be an effective way to enhance the bilateral economic 
relationship.  
4.54.   Since its previous TPR in 2011, Jamaica has made sig nificant progress in the difficult 
process of adapting to the global economy.  
4.55.   We welcome the Jamaican Government's plans to achieve broad trade and development 
goals as set out in the National Development Plan – Vision 2030 and the Growth Agenda. In 
additi on, we note that as of mid -2017, a new Foreign Trade Policy is being drafted which will 
facilitate the alignment of trade policy and strategy with the Growth Agenda. These policies will 
help Jamaica enjoy greater benefits from trade and achieve sustainable  development.  
4.56.   We also commend Jamaica for its active participation in WTO activities. We appreciate that, 
during the review period, Jamaica ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and submitted 
notifications to the WTO in a number of areas. However , as indicated in the Secretariat's report, it 
is necessary to point out that no notifications have been made in the areas of customs valuation 
and GATS since 2011.  
4.57.   While it is fair to highlight Jamaica's achievements, I would like to take this opportunity  to 
point out some concerns over Jamaica's trade -related policies. We are concerned about the recent 
escalation of Jamaica's average applied tariff rate by 1%.2 We also note that the gap between 
applied and bound tariffs remains wide, and in some cases the  applied rates are above their bound 
levels.  
4.58.   Furthermore, although taxes and charges on imports have been cut over the last few years, 
they still remain at a high level of around 40% of total tax revenue in FY2016/17.  
4.59.   In our view, all these sectors tend to  undermine the confidence and predictability that the 
Jamaican Government is endeavouring to build. We hope and trust that the Jamaican Government 
will work closely with other WTO Members to address these concerns in a timely and appropriate 
manner.  
4.60.   At thi s TPR, my delegation submitted advance written questions on the Electricity Act of 
2015, which stipulates some measures that the Jamaican Government is taking to prevent 
electricity theft. My delegation also raised questions on Jamaica's procurement system  for SMEs.  
4.61.   We thank the delegation of Jamaica for providing answers to those questions, which we will 
review carefully.  
4.62.   Korea is pleased to note the steps Jamaica has taken since the last review to make the 
overall trading environment more efficient and we  certainly encourage Jamaica to continue in the 
direction of facilitating trade, increasing investment, strengthening administrative capacity and 
enhancing the overall economic environment in a sustainable way.  
4.63.   Korea looks forward to working with Jamaica t o enhance opportunities for trade and 
investment, and hence promote Jamaica's economic growth.  
4.64.   In closing, I would like to express appreciation to the delegation of Jamaica for their hard 
work and wish them every success in this TPR.  
                                                
2 Jamaica's simple average applied MFN tariff rose from  9.4% in 2010 to 10.4% in 2017.  WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  SINGAPORE  
4.65.   Singapore e njoys cordial and warm ties with Jamaica. Although separated by a vast 
distance, we share the common challenges of being small island states that are dependent on 
international trade and investment as well as being vulnerable to external shocks. Jamaica is  
Singapore's 11th largest trading partner in the Caribbean. Bilateral trade between our countries 
has been increasing over the years, with bilateral trade in goods alone increasing 13.5% in 2016. 
The increase in flow of services trade has been even higher,  experiencing an increase of 75% on a 
year-on-year basis. This trend of deepening economic relations indicates that there is scope for 
deeper economic relations between our countries and we look forward to realising this potential in 
the coming years.  
4.66.   Since the last trade policy review of the Jamaica in 2011, Jamaica has restored 
macroeconomic stability, pursued prudent fiscal policy, reduced public debt and reformed its tax 
policy. We note that Jamaica is reviewing its foreign trade policy to strengthen th e role of trade as 
a driver of economic growth and development. We view this as an important step in the further 
liberalisation of its trading regime.  
4.67.   Singapore appreciates Jamaica's engagement with the multilateral trading system. At the 
WTO, Jamaica is an active and important player in the negotiations, and contributes to the work of 
the regular Committees. We commend the role of Ambassador Wayne McCook for his constructive 
work as the Chair of the Negotiating Group on Rules. We also welcome Jamaica's ra tification of the 
Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in 2016 and its recent submission of its Categories B and C 
commitments in July 2017. We note that Jamaica has established a trade facilitation taskforce to 
develop an implementation road map and project  plan, and we look forward to the swift 
implementation of the TFA.  
4.68.   We note Jamaica's WTO notifications in a number of areas but observe that there are 
outstanding notifications in the areas of customs valuation and GATS. We encourage Jamaica to 
make conti nued efforts with respect to the outstanding notifications. We further encourage 
Jamaica to consider being an observer in the Government Procurement Agreement with a view to 
future GPA accession.   
4.69.   Singapore looks forward to continuing our close and constr uctive cooperation with Jamaica 
in the WTO, including through its Mission in Geneva, to uphold the multilateral trading system. 
Finally, we thank Jamaica for the timely responses to our questions and wish them every success 
in the Trade Policy Review.  
COST A RICA 
4.70.   La relación de Costa Rica con Jamaica se inició hace 145 años -específicamente un 20 de 
diciembre de 1872 - cuando el primer buque de trabajadores jamaiquinos partió de Kingston con 
rumbo a Costa Rica. Su misión: sacar a Costa Rica de su aislamiento al construir un ferrocarril 
entre nuestros valles productores de café, con el puerto de Limón en la costa del mar Caribe y de 
ahí a los mercados de Europa y Norteamérica.  
4.71.   Para 1913, 20 mil jamaiquinos habían encontrado un hogar en Costa Rica; donde la cul tura 
afrocaribeña que trajeron consigo floreció y se afianzó. Las antiguas oficinas de la Black Star Line 
en la ciudad de Limón hoy son Patrimonio Cultural de Costa Rica. El rice and beans, el patti, la 
gizzada; el calipso, el reggae y el inglés mekatelyu son un pequeño ejemplo del amplio legado 
cultural, artístico y lingüístico que aportó Jamaica a la cultura costarricense y sobre el que hoy un 
8% de nuestra población encuentra sus raíces.  
4.72.   A nivel bilateral, nuestros pueblos comparten lazos históricos, per o también fuertes lazos 
comerciales, lo que se refleja en la suscripción del Tratado de Libre Comercio entre Costa Rica y 
CARICOM firmado en marzo de 2004. Nuestras relaciones comerciales son altamente 
complementarias por lo que no es de extrañar que Jamai ca sea el principal socio de Costa Rica en 
CARICOM, concentrando un tercio de nuestras exportaciones a la región.  
4.73.   A nivel multilateral, Costa Rica ve en Jamaica a un Miembro que ha demostrado ser un actor 
comprometido con el sistema multilateral de comerc io y que siempre ha mostrado una posición WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  constructiva y dispuesta al diálogo. En esta área  no puedo más que felicitar al E mbajador McCook 
como presidente del Grupo de negociación de normas por su compromiso, objetividad y guía en las 
negociaciones sobre s ubsidios a la pesca.  
4.74.   En el marco de este Examen, cabe reconocer el trabajo que Jamaica ha realizado en los 
últimos años para fortalecer su economía y afianzar la estabilidad macroeconómica en el marco de 
su Plan Nacional de Desarrollo "Visión 2030 Jamaica" : se ha reducido la deuda pública; se han 
introducido modificaciones en la política tributaria; la inflación se mantiene bajo control; las 
reservas internacionales se han duplicado; y el déficit de cuenta corriente se ha reducido en más 
de la mitad. Sin em bargo, el informe de la Secretaría también es claro en señalar un importante 
desafío: el crecimiento económico resulta insuficiente para lidiar con las necesidades urgentes de 
una quinta parte de la población que aún vive en condiciones de pobreza. Al resp ecto, las metas 
del Plan Vision 2030 de Jamaica, son ambiciosas pero realizables; y nos complace saber que el 
gobierno de Jamaica ha establecido el comercio como uno de sus ejes fundamentales para 
incrementar los ingresos, generar empleo y fomentar un desa rrollo inclusivo en su Programa de 
Crecimiento Económico  
4.75.   La agenda es amplia: se requiere profundizar la estabilidad y flexibilidad de la matriz 
comercial y reducir su alta concentración en productos y destinos de exportación, incluyendo la 
revisión de bar reras arancelarias y no arancelarias que dificultan una mayor integración a las 
cadenas regionales de valor. También se debe continuar con el fortalecimiento de la transparencia 
y la simplificación de trámites en los regímenes de aduanas y de atracción de inversiones; ambos 
pilares son esenciales para el desarrollo de infraestructura crítica y el impulso a la innovación y el 
emprendedurismo. En estas áreas seguiremos con atención los resultados de la nueva política de 
Comercio Exterior que está en proceso d e formulación, de la Segunda Estrategia Nacional de 
Exportación y del proyecto para la Estrategia de Facilitación de Comercio de Jamaica. 
Consideramos también importante alinear estas políticas con una estrategia global de resiliencia al 
cambio climático, un factor que cada vez cobra más relevancia en una región tan vulnerable como 
lo es la cuenca del Caribe.  
4.76.   Costa Rica mantiene un interés continuo en las políticas comerciales de un socio tan cercano 
e importante como lo es Jamaica. En particular, en el de sarrollo de sus políticas de diversificación 
productiva; simplificación de trámites, atracción de inversión; comercio de servicios e integración 
regional. Costa Rica presentó preguntas en relación con estos y otros temas, por lo que 
agradeceremos las respu estas que brinde Jamaica en el marco de este Examen.  
4.77.   Quisiera concluir mi intervención deseando a la delegación de Jamaica grandes éxitos en 
este Examen de Políticas Comerciales y cerrar con una reflexión de Marcus Garvey - héroe 
nacional de Jamaica - que me parece sirve como recordatorio de nuestro trabajo en el sistema 
multilateral de comercio y de su papel fundamental en el cumplimiento de los Objetivos de 
Desarrollo Sostenible: "The ends you serve that are selfish will take you no further than yourself,  
but the ends you serve that are for all, in common, will take you into eternity".  
UNITED  STATES  
4.78.   With one of the largest economies in the Caribbean region, Jamaica has a leading position 
on economic and trade issues. Through its economic reforms, Jamaica made significant 
improvements to its business environment, resulting in top -ten improved economies status in the 
World Bank's Doing Business reports in 2015 and 2016. Jamaica was recognized by the Financial 
Times as the top performing island globally in "b usiness friendliness" and among the top ten in 
"connectivity," "human capital," and "lifestyle." The Government of Jamaica, through successive 
administrations, implemented economic reforms through its International Monetary Fund 
programmes starting in 2013  to achieve these recognitions.   
4.79.   Jamaica has been a major proponent of regional economic integration and was among the 
first to reduce duties on goods from its CARICOM partners. The country remains the largest 
recipient of CARICOM goods, importing US$618 million worth in 2016 and exporting US$58 million 
to other CARICOM States. This trade deficit is due in part to Jamaica's firm stance against export 
subsidies and local content requirements.  WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  4.80.   Jamaica is also a strong trading partner of the United States – one of the most important in 
the region. Forty percent of Jamaica's total trade flowed to the United States in 2016.  U.S. 
exports to Jamaica totalled US$1.7 billion, including mineral fuels, machinery, cereals, prepared 
food, and other agricultural product s. U.S. foreign direct investment in Jamaica was 
US$204  million in 2015, a 2.0% increase from 2014. The United States provides duty -free 
treatment for almost all products imported from Jamaica. Imported items include alumina, rum, 
and food products. We enc ourage Jamaica to take advantage of these trade opportunities as it 
develops its National Export Strategy, an element of the Vision 2030 initiative. The United States is 
also home to one of the largest communities of persons of Jamaican heritage, estimated  to be 
more than 700,000. Reflective of Jamaica's success in tourism, more than 1.3 million visitors were 
from the United States last year. Indeed, the number of American visitors grew faster than the 
average rate.  
4.81.   The Jamaican economy is heavily dependent  on services such as tourism; services account 
for more than 70% of GDP. Earnings from remittances and tourism each account for about 15% of 
GDP. But Jamaica's economy has grown on average by less than 1% a year for the last three 
decades, and impediments to growth remain, such as the large public sector which crowds out 
private -sector spending and the high level of debt as a result. Jamaica, however, has made 
commendable progress in reducing its debt -to-GDP ratio to about 115% in 2017 from a high of 
almost  150% in 2012. Jamaica's goal of reducing its debt burden to 60% of GDP by 2025 will help 
free resources for investment in trade and other growth -producing sectors. Already, Jamaica has 
seen signs of increased economic growth at 1.7% last year.  
4.82.   As we stres sed in the last review in 2011, implementing and ensuring science based SPS 
measures facilitates trade in high -quality agriculture products. Unfortunately, Jamaica still bans 
imports of U.S. pork due to concerns about a viral disease that can affect swine.  As the United 
States has explained to Jamaica, this disease has been eliminated in commercial production in the 
United States as of 2004. We will, once again, be interested to hear from Jamaica about its plans 
to remove its ban on imports of U.S. pork. We  hope that this Trade Policy Review will encourage 
Jamaica to focus on the importance of consistently implementing science -based sanitary and 
phytosanitary measures as a critical component of its competitiveness strategy.  
4.83.   The United States welcomed Jamaic a's leadership is the negotiation of the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement as well as its ratification of that agreement in 2016. The TFA holds great promise for 
developing country Members to boost trade performance. We also note that a Trade Facilitation 
Task Force will develop a road map and project plan to "enhance the potential contribution of trade 
to economic growth." We welcome any opportunity, for us or other stakeholders, to provide input 
on this important initiative.  
4.84.   As the Secretariat report points ou t, Jamaica is a member of several intellectual property 
treaties, including the Berne Convention, the WIPO Copyright Treaty, the WIPO Performances and 
Phonograms Treaty, and the Beijing Treaty. While further progress is needed, Jamaica deserves 
credit for its regional leadership in this area. Last June, the U.S. Government worked with the 
Jamaican and CARICOM authorities to conduct a Broadcast Piracy Seminar. Approximately 
45 CARICOM member states officials and 30 private sector representatives attended the  
programme. U.S. content providers offered to explore the possibility of a collective license for the 
smaller, community -based cable operators, and the broadcast regulatory agencies committed to 
revoking licenses of cable operators who continue to transmit  unlicensed content. Given progress 
in the area of copyright protection, we hope the Government of Jamaica will commit to joining the 
Marrakesh Treaty.  
4.85.   The United States looks forward to working with Jamaica to increase prosperity in the 
Caribbean and the hemisphere. By continuing with structural debt reduction, public sector reforms, 
and anti -corruption efforts, Jamaica is making progress toward building sustained economic 
growth. We encourage Jamaica, in the implementation of its National Trade Policy Fra mework, to 
focus on policies that enable investment in growth areas such as the services sector.  
4.86.   Finally, and more personally, I would like to offer a particular tribute to the role that 
Ambassador McCook has played, and continues to play, within this Orga nization on behalf of his 
country. Ambassador McCook has taken on some of the toughest assignments on offer here, and 
has always risen to the challenge. We are grateful to his devotion to the core principles of the WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  WTO, and his willingness to speak truth t o power in many different contexts. This is no ordinary 
ambassador – thank you, Wayne, for your work here.  
4.87.   We wish Jamaica a successful Trade Policy Review.  
BRAZIL  
4.88.   On behalf of Ambassador Evandro Didonet, I would like to acknowledge H. E. Ambassador 
Wayne McCook and his team in Geneva for their contributions to the advancement of the debates 
in this Organization.  
4.89.   During the review period, Jamaica has made worthy efforts aimed at promoting economic 
stability through firm fiscal policy, reduction of public de bt and tax reform. The steady 
implementation of structural reforms in the business environment as well as cautious 
macroeconomic policies seems critical to boost growth and reduce poverty.  
4.90.   Agriculture remains a key sector in the Jamaican economy, accounti ng for around 7% of its 
GDP. The agricultural sector employs about 18% of the total workforce. However, its development 
has been constrained by an insufficient infrastructure and natural disasters.  
4.91.   Despite being a net food importer, Jamaica keeps a high le vel of tariff protection for 
agricultural products, which is substantially greater than for non -agricultural products. Also, total 
protection is even more burdensome to agricultural imports, since supplementary stamp duties are 
collected in particular on t hese types of products, and other non -tariff barriers such as import 
licensing are also applied.  
4.92.   Relations with Jamaica are of particular importance to Brazil both for its strategic position in 
the Caribbean Basin and for its active participation in region al economic integration arrangements, 
in particular, CARICOM. We welcomed with great satisfaction the opening of the Jamaica Embassy 
in Brasilia in 2013, and we hope this will further economic and trade dialogue between our 
governments and private sector a s well.  
4.93.   A Brazil -Jamaica Bilateral Commission, which first met on February 2014, has opened the 
door for cooperation on tax information exchange, air transport services, education and 
professional training, including in the area of tourism, and fruit produ ction and processing. The 
Brazilian Institute of Applied Economic Research (IPEA) provides support on monitoring, evaluation 
and technical advice for "Vision 2030 Jamaica" National Development Plan.  
4.94.   Despite our diplomatic friendship and increasing bilatera l cooperation initiatives, trade and 
investment relations between Jamaica and Brazil have yet to achieve their full potential. Bilateral 
trade is still small and highly concentrated in few products; in the case of Brazilian exports mostly 
food products. Trade flows fell sharply in recent years.  
4.95.   Brazilian exporters are interested in diversifying exports of meat products to the Jamaican 
market, in particular, through the offer of fresh beef and poultry. They have faced difficulties with 
regard to SPS certific ation procedures and we are seeking clarification on this issue. Also, we 
would like to obtain further information on current policy regime to the sugar and ethanol sector.  
4.96.   We urge Jamaica to expand opportunities for agricultural market access as a way to 
guarantee food security and reliability in the supply. Brazilian food products can play an important 
role here, including in the supply to the tourism industry value chain.  
4.97.   We thank Jamaica for the written replies to our questions, which were forwarded to  our 
capital for examination and follow -up. 
4.98.   Brazil wishes Jamaica a very successful Trade Policy Review.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
4.99.   Let me use this opportunity to salute the work of Jamaica in this Organization, especially of 
Ambassador McCook as the Chairman of Rule s Negotiating Group. I also would like to express EU's WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  sympathy and support for all the habitants of the Caribbean region, battered by the recent 
hurricanes.  
4.100.   The EU would like to start by highlighting some of the positive issues that have emerged 
during t he period under review.  
4.101.   First, in January 2016, Jamaica ratified the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Jamaica 
submitted its notifications as well as established its National Committee for Trade Facilitation 
already in February 2015. We would like to take this opportunity to also congratulate Jamaica for 
being one of the winners in a recent case study competition on Trade Facilitation organized by the 
WTO in collaboration with the World Bank Group. We encourage Jamaica to keep up its efforts to 
modernize it s customs procedures. A new Customs Act, to be submitted to the Parliament in 2017, 
is a step in the right direction.  
4.102.   Second, the EU welcomes Jamaica's repeal of four schemes notified to the WTO as 
containing export subsidies (the Export Industry Encourage ment Act; the Industrial Incentives 
(Factory Construction) Act; the Foreign Sales Corporation Act; and the Jamaica Export Free Zones 
Act).  
4.103.   Third, we congratulate Jamaica on its attempt to improve public procurement. However, 
we regret that a domestic pref erence of up to 10% and a reservation of 15% of procurements for 
domestic SMEs is to be applied.  
4.104.   With reference to Jamaica's overall economic policy, we believe that, since the last TPR of 
Jamaica in 2011, the country has made remarkable progress in restor ing macroeconomic stability, 
pursuing prudent fiscal policy and reducing public debt.  
4.105.   Jamaica is a small, open economy, highly dependent on international trade. Trade 
accounted for an average around 80% of GDP during the review period. It is noteworthy th at 
services, in particular tourism, are the main contributors to the economy by some 70% of GDP and 
employing some 67% of the workforce. The EU welcomes the level of liberalisation in the services 
sector.  
4.106.   Since 2011, EU -Jamaica trade has increased and the EU is one of Jamaica's main trade 
partners. Jamaica signed the EU -CARIFORUM Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in 2008, 
which aims at promoting regional trade and cooperation opportunities.  
4.107.   Let me add that the EU and its Member States consider aid for t rade-related assistance 
and support to institutional capacity -building very important. For the period 2014 -2020, Jamaica 
has been granted a national allocation of €46 million under the 11th European Development Fund 
(EDF), to assist the reform of the justi ce system, protect the environment, curb climate change 
and manage the public finances.  
4.108.   Despite all these positive developments the EU would also like to raise a few concerns, 
some related to the questions we addressed earlier in writing.  
4.109.   First of all, we would like to highlight the importance for the Jamaican Government to 
pursue efforts to fight corruption.  
4.110.   Second, the EU would encourage Jamaica to improve infrastructure as well as property 
registration in order to increase potential growth and reduce po verty.  
4.111.   Finally, the EU is concerned about the use of non -tariff charges such as additional stamp 
duties on certain products.  
4.112.   On behalf of the EU, I look forward to a constructive exchange of views during this review 
and I wish Jamaica's delegation the utmo st success during its Trade Policy Review.  WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  REPÚBLICA  DOMINICANA  
4.113.   La República Dominicana comparte estrechos lazos de amistad con Jamaica, como país 
ACP, como miembro del Grupo de las economías pequeñas y vulnerables, y como miembro del 
Acuerdo de Asociació n Económica entre el Cariforum y la Unión Europea.  
4.114.   La República Dominicana tiene un activo comercio con Jamaica, exportando un promedio 
de 52 millones de dólares EE.UU. anuales, durante el período 2010 al 2016. Las importaciones de 
República Dominicana alc anzaron un promedio de 0,59 millones de dólares EE.UU. para el mismo 
período.  
4.115.   Deseamos felicitar a Jamaica, pues tal y como lo indica el informe de la Secretaría, durante 
el período 2011 -2017 abarcado por el examen, Jamaica ha hecho importantes progresos e n la 
recuperación de la estabilidad macroeconómica, la aplicación de una política fiscal prudente, la 
reducción de la deuda pública y la introducción de importantes modificaciones en su política 
tributaria. También, el sistema financiero se ha vuelto más r esiliente frente a las perturbaciones, la 
inflación ha disminuido hasta niveles in precedentes, el déficit por cuenta corriente se ha reducido 
en más de la mitad, pasando del 13,6% en el ejercicio económico de 2011 -2012 al 3,2% en el 
ejercicio económico de  2016-2017, en buena medida como consecuencia de la disminución del 
costo de las importaciones (en particular de combustibles) y del nivel sostenido de los ingresos 
procedentes del turismo y las remesas, las reservas internacionales netas se han duplicado y el 
nivel de confianza de las empresas es alto.  
4.116.   El desafío, a pesar de todas estas buenas noticias, sigue siendo el crecimiento económico, 
el cual no termina de despegar, y la tasa media de crecimiento del PIB real ha sido inferior al 1% 
desde 2011. Como resultado, una quinta parte de la población sigue viviendo por debajo del 
umbral de pobreza. También, las exportaciones de mercancías siguen muy concentradas 
geográficamente; los Estados Unidos, la Unión Europea y el Canadá absorben conjuntamente más 
de do s tercios del total, por lo que exhortamos a Jamaica a hacer esfuerzos en este sentido.  
4.117.   Es importante destacar que en noviembre de 2016, Jamaica firmó un acuerdo de derecho 
de giro (ADG) de carácter precautorio con el FMI, de una duración de tres años. Ese  acuerdo (de 
un monto aproximado de 1.640 millones de dólares EE.UU.) tiene como objetivos, entre otros, 
reducir la deuda pública del 122,5% del PIB en el ejercicio económico de 2016 -2017 al 60% en el 
ejercicio de 2025 -2026, manteniendo en el 7% del PIB el  nivel del superávit durante el período 
abarcado por el nuevo acuerdo; modernizar el marco de política monetaria y sentar las bases para 
la futura aplicación de un régimen de metas de inflación.  
4.118.   Jamaica está adoptando medidas para atraer un mayor volumen d e IED y mejorar el 
entorno comercial, entre ellas, la simplificación del régimen tributario, la ampliación de la base 
imponible, la puesta en funcionamiento de una plataforma electrónica para el pago de impuestos, 
y el establecimiento de un plazo de 90 día s para la aprobación de proyectos de desarrollo. Desde 
2011, Jamaica ha publicado o modificado también una gran cantidad de leyes, entre ellas, la Ley 
de Insolvencia, la Ley de Incentivos Fiscales, la ley de Zonas Económicas Especiales, la ley de 
Contratac ión Pública, la Ley de Servicios Bancarios, y la Ley de Electricidad. No obstante, las 
inversiones privadas siguen acusando los efectos disuasorios de varios factores, en particular el 
delito y el robo, la ineficacia administrativa y los impuestos relativa mente elevados. Felicitamos a 
las autoridades de Jamaica por todo el esfuerzo realizado y les exhortamos a continuar por esta 
vía. 
4.119.   Jamaica ratificó el Acuerdo sobre Facilitación del Comercio en enero de 2016 y en el 
presente año se presentará al Parlamento  una nueva Ley de Aduanas para facilitar el comercio, 
promover el cumplimiento voluntario de las leyes y los procedimientos aduaneros y apoyar 
eficazmente la aplicación del sistema SIDUNEA World. Además, Jamaica ha mejorado la utilización 
de los sistemas d e gestión del riesgo.  
4.120.   Vemos con satisfacción que le promedio aritmético de los tipos arancelarios NMF aplicados 
por Jamaica es bajo 10,4% en 2017, sin embargo, el informe de la Secretaría indica que los tipos 
NMF aplicados excedieron de sus niveles consoli dados en el caso de 32 líneas arancelarias; la 
diferencia fue superior a 10 puntos porcentuales para algunos productos. Exhortamos a Jamaica a 
corregir esta situación.  WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  4.121.   También felicitamos a Jamaica porque ha adoptado una nueva Ley de Zonas Económicas 
Espec iales con miras a cumplir sus obligaciones en el marco del Acuerdo sobre Subvenciones y 
Medidas Compensatorias de la OMC. En virtud de la legislación general sobre incentivos de 2014, 
Jamaica derogó los cuatro planes de incentivos fiscales que se habían no tificado a la OMC pro 
contener subvenciones a la exportación.  
4.122.   Reiteramos nuestra satisfacción por las importantes reformas legislativas que ha llevado a 
cabo Jamaica en los últimos años, tales como la primera Ley de Contratación Pública (PPA) 
autónoma de J amaica, que se firmó en diciembre de 2015, cuya entrada en vigor está prevista 
para 2017; la ley de Derecho de Autor de Jamaica que se modificó recientemente con el fin, entre 
otros, de ampliar el plazo de protección del derecho de autor de 50 a 95 años pa ra las obras 
literarias, teatrales, musicales y artísticas originales, y para dar cumplimiento a las obligaciones 
contraídas por Jamaica en virtud del Tratado sobre Derecho de Autor y el Tratado sobre 
Interpretación o Ejecución y Fonogramas de la OMPI. Jam aica modificó también su Ley de Marcas 
de Fábrica o de Comercio. Les exhortamos, por otro lado, a aceptar el Protocolo por el que se 
enmienda el Acuerdo sobre los ADPIC.  
4.123.   El sector de servicios es el que más contribuye a la economía, ya que representa 
aprox imadamente el 70% del PIB y el 67% de la población activa. Les felicitamos también por las 
reformas llevadas a cabo en este sector, ya que durante el período objeto de examen se aprobó 
una nueva legislación sobre servicios financieros: en 2015 se adoptó la  Ley de Servicios Bancarios 
y se modificó la Ley del Banco de Jamaica. En 2016, se modificó la Ley de Seguros para ajustarla a 
la evolución de los mercados de seguros local e internacional. En 2014, se modificó la Ley de 
Valores y, en 2016, el Gobierno apl icó una estrategia para hacer más estrictas las normas 
cautelares aplicables al sector de los valores.  
4.124.   Finalmente, hemos presentado algunas preguntas a Jamaica, las cuales agradecemos las 
respuestas, y no nos queda más que de nuevo reconocer los esfuerzos de las autoridades de 
Jamaica, felicitarles y desearles que continúen por la senda del desarrollo.  
CHILE  
4.125.   Saludamos a todos los Miembros de la Misión Permanente de Jamaica ante la OMC, y en 
especial a su Embajador Wayne McCook, con quien trabajamos estrecha mente, y esperamos 
seguir contribuyendo juntos al fortalecimiento del sistema multilateral de comercio. Nos sumamos 
a lo expresado por la delegación de Colombia con respecto a la contribución que hace el 
Embajador McCook en esta Organización y otras del si stema en Ginebra.  
4.126.   Compartimos las expresiones de solidaridad con el Gobierno y el pueblo de Jamaica por las 
consecuencias del huracán que recientemente azotaron la región, creemos que ya nada puede 
desvirtuar las evidencias del cambio climático y su negat ivo impacto en la vida de las personas.  
4.127.   Mi colega de Costa Rica ha mencionado al héroe nacional de Jamaica Marcos Garvey, 
sumándome a esta mención, por mi parte quisiera recordar también a Bob Marley, por su 
contribución a la cultura musical a nivel mundia l y por el vínculo con el multilateralismo, puesto 
que recibió la medalla de la paz otorgada por Naciones Unidas.  
4.128.   Chile recibe con especial interés la realización del cuarto Examen de Política Comercial de 
Jamaica y le felicitamos por el trabajo realizado  desde su último examen.  
4.129.   Los vínculos diplomáticos entre Chile y Jamaica se iniciaron el 10 de diciembre de 1963, 
los que se han profundizado desde la apertura de la Embajada de Chile en Kingston el 3 de octubre 
de 1990.  
4.130.   A nivel bilateral, Chile y Jamaica  han alcanzado un creciente diálogo político, cimentado en 
las múltiples coincidencias que mantenemos en el plano internacional. Esto último ha expresado en 
el último tiempo en un intercambio de visitas oficiales.  
4.131.   Al respecto, quisiera destacar la visita del Primer Ministro de Jamaica a Santiago, 
Sr Andrew Holness, el 30 de agosto del presente año, donde pudimos fortalecer el diálogo político, 
económico y cultural entre los dos países.  WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  4.132.   En esta ocasión, ambos tuvimos la oportunidad de explorar nuevos horiz ontes en materia 
de cooperación bilateral, así como la búsqueda de un acercamiento más profundo de Chile con el 
CARICOM y el Caribe anglófono.  
4.133.   Nos complace que durante esta visita formalizamos importantes acuerdos de cooperación 
en diferentes materias.  
4.134.   Destaco entre ellas la suscripción de un Memorándum de Entendimiento entre las agencias 
comerciales del Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de Chile (PROCHILE) y el Ministerio de 
Relaciones Exteriores y Comercio de Jamaica (JAMPRO) para intercambiar experie ncias en materia 
de promoción de exportaciones y fomentar el comercio bilateral y regional.  
4.135.   Hemos suscrito también un acuerdo en materia deportiva, que tiene por finalidad 
incentivar la actividad física entre los jóvenes de ambos países.  
4.136.   Estos avances se s uman a aquellos desarrollados gracias al permanente programa de 
cooperación existente entre Chile, Jamaica y la región del Caribe en su conjunto. En este ámbito, 
no puedo dejar de mencionar el desarrollo del programa de capacitación en materia de 
negociaci ones comerciales, dirigido a funcionarios de gobiernos de los países miembros del 
CARICOM, compromiso asumido por la Presidenta de la República de Chile.  
4.137.   La relación comercial con Jamaica se enmarca dentro de las reglas de la OMC.  
4.138.   A la fecha no tenemos u n acuerdo que regule nuestra relación comercial.  
4.139.   Aun así, el intercambio con Jamaica es de gran relevancia para Chile, especialmente dentro 
del Caribe. El comercio bilateral entre Chile y Jamaica tuvo una expansión a una tasa promedio 
anual de 4,1% durant e el periodo 2011 -2016, y las exportaciones a Jamaica durante el mismo 
periodo se han incrementado en un 5,6%, representando el 28,2% del total exportado por Chile al 
CARICOM.  
4.140.   Los principales productos exportados a Jamaica provienen del sector de los alim entos, 
destacando por ejemplo: pescados, preparaciones de alimento infantil, jugos de tomate, entre 
otros.  
4.141.   Los principales productos importados por Chile desde Jamaica son: ron, neumáticos y 
montacargas. Confiamos en que mediante una cooperación reforzada  entre ambos países sea 
posible incrementar las exportaciones de Jamaica a nuestro país.  
4.142.    En materia de transporte aéreo, un ambicioso Acuerdo de Cielos Abiertos, firmado entre 
Chile y Jamaica el año 1994 y profundizado con posterioridad, promueve nuestra relación 
aerocomercial, incorporando nuevos derechos de tráfico hasta la séptima libertad del aire para 
vuelos de carga.   
4.143.   Para este ejercicio de Examen de Política Comercial, Chile ha formulado 10 preguntas, 
principalmente en el área de propiedad intelect ual, regulaciones sanitarias y fitosanitarias, y la 
implementación del nuevo marco institucional de su política comercial.  
4.144.   Agradecemos profundamente las respuestas a dichas consultas.  
4.145.   A este respecto, quisiera destacar de manera particular la importancia  que reviste para 
nuestro país una pronta apertura sanitaria para el ingreso de carnes de ave y cerdo al mercado del 
CARICOM, gestiones iniciadas el año 2009 y que aún no han finalizado de manera satisfactoria. 
Actualmente las autoridades chilenas se encue ntran a la espera de los resultados del informe de 
inspección que un grupo de expertos del CARICOM realizaron en marzo de 2016 a las plantas de 
producción. Nuestro país solicita los buenos oficios de Jamaica en esta materia y espera que dicha 
solicitud pue da próximamente traducirse en la apertura de mercado para estos productos.  
4.146.   En relación a las recientes reformas que ha implementado Jamaica, particular interés 
reviste la estrategia de desarrollo asumida en los últimos años, donde importantes reformas 
estructurales han tenido y esperan tener lugar, especialmente aquellas circunscritas dentro del WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  Plan "Visión 2030" y el Programa de Reforma Económica (PRE), ambas iniciativas orientadas a 
establecer una mirada a largo plazo en el país.   
4.147.   A pesar de las dificul tades económicas a nivel mundial, vemos que el año 2016 el PIB de 
Jamaica creció a una tasa promedio cercana al 1,5% y, que en los próximos años se espera un 
crecimiento entre un 2% y un 3%. Esperamos que las medidas adoptadas permitan mejorar estas 
cifras  en beneficio de su población.  
4.148.   Como mencioné con anterioridad, con Jamaica tenemos importantes coincidencias y 
esperamos seguir estrechando nuestra relación bilateral, tanto en el ámbito político como 
comercial.  
4.149.   Asimismo, fruto de este dialogo confiamos e n seguir contribuyendo juntos a robustecer el 
sistema multilateral de comercio a través de la elaboración de reglas claras que entreguen 
previsibilidad y seguridad al intercambio global de bienes y servicios. Finalmente, deseamos a 
Jamaica un exitoso cuart o examen de sus políticas comerciales.  
JAPAN  
4.150.   It is a pleasure for Japan to take part in the 4th TPR for Jamaica. Needless to say, Japan 
and Jamaica have been important partners for years, both economically and politically. Japan will 
continue to make every  effort to maintain and further develop the strong ties between us.  
4.151.   According to the Secretariat's report, Jamaica's GDP growth rate has remained at 0.7% 
since 2011, partly due to negative external shocks, such as the drought that led to a decline in 
agriculture in 2013 -2015, and the falling aluminium prices that have depressed exports, as well as 
certain internal factors. However, we are glad to see that Jamaica has made major strides in 
restoring macroeconomic stability over the last few years, pursuing p rudent fiscal policy, reducing 
public debt, and undertaking significant changes to its tax policy. In addition to that, the financial 
system has become more resilient to shocks, inflation is at a historic low, the current account 
deficit has more than halv ed, net international reserves have doubled, and business confidence is 
high. So, Japan expects Jamaica to continue accelerating its economic reforms.  
4.152.   Let me make some comments on Jamaica's trade arrangements and agreements. Japan 
appreciates the active ro le played by Jamaica in WTO negotiations. Jamaica is a proponent of the 
Work Programmes on Small Economies and is contributing to the discussions as a member of 
groups such as ACP, G90 and G33.  
4.153.   In addition, Jamaica ratified and submitted its Category A not ification in February 2015. 
Moreover, Jamaica has actively introduced various methods for trade facilitation. For example, in 
addition to submitting a new Customs Act to Parliament in 2017, Jamaica encourages voluntary 
compliance with customs laws and proc edures, effectively supports the implementation of 
ASYCUDA World, and has been improving its use of risk management systems.  
4.154.   Jamaica's efforts in this regard have contributed to facilitating world trade, and Japan 
expects Jamaica to maintain this momentum by going on to establish a fully -fledged system of 
trade promotion.  
4.155.   However, Jamaica has not made any notifications in the areas of customs valuation and 
GATS since 2011, so Japan hopes that Jamaica will notify the WTO in these areas and improve 
transparen cy going forward.  
4.156.   With regard to the RTA, the report by the Secretariat notes that Jamaica, as a member of 
the Caribbean Community and Common Market, has signed trade agreements with five Latin 
American countries, as well as the Economic Partnership Agreem ent (EPA) with the European 
Union. Japan hopes that these RTAs will contribute to trade liberalization under the multilateral 
trading system.  
4.157.   Now, let me make some brief comments on investment policy. Japan commends Jamaica 
for their efforts to improve the  investment environment.  WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  4.158.   In order to maintain economic growth, attracting foreign investments is indispensable and 
it is also important to conclude bilateral investment treaties (BITs), which provide a legal 
infrastructure for foreign investment. Japan exp ects Jamaica to continue accelerating its 
negotiation of BITs.  
4.159.   In conclusion, I would like to express our strong wish to deepen cooperation between 
Jamaica and Japan.  
CHINA  
4.160.   Jamaica has maintained economic stability in the last 6 years, despite of external shocks 
from the global financial crisis and decrease in commodity prices. This is largely contributed by its 
prudent fiscal policy and reform efforts in delivering better growth and job outcomes. We 
commend the Jamaican Government for the steps that it had  taken to liberalize its trade and 
investment regime, including measures such as maintaining a relatively low tariff of 7.9% on non -
agriculture goods, simplifying the tax system and establishing Special Economic Zones.  
4.161.   China and Jamaica enjoy good economic  relations during the period under review. Our 
bilateral trade in goods was US$520 million in 2016, and the export from Jamaica to China was 
increasing steadily during the review period. Jamaica has maintained one of the most liberalized 
investment regimes  in the Caribbean region. The robust investment flow from China to Jamaica is 
a testament of our confidence in Jamaica's business environment. By the end of 2016, China's 
aggregated FDI in Jamaica has reached US$360 million, distributed in areas such as ag riculture, 
telecommunications and infrastructural development, and making Jamaica one of the most popular 
destinations in Caribbean region for Chinese investors.  
4.162.   Jamaica has been a staunch supporter of the multilateral trading system, while also 
seeking re gional integration and bilateral cooperation in the framework of the CARICOM. As the 
longest -standing Caribbean Member of the WTO, Jamaica has played an active role at the WTO 
negotiating tables. Particularly under the leadership of Ambassador Mccook, the Jamaica 
delegation has contributed significantly to the ongoing negotiations, and strongly advocated the 
interest of not only Jamaica, and also the border developing members in this Organization.  
4.163.   China has raised some questions to Jamaica with respect to i nvestment regime and import 
measures. We appreciated the information Jamaica provided before and during the course of this 
review, which we will study carefully.  
4.164.   To conclude, I wish the fourth TPR of Jamaica a complete success.  
TRINIDAD  AND  TOBAGO  
4.165.   My dele gation takes this opportunity to recognize Ambassador McCook's invaluable 
contribution to the work of the WTO in his role as Permanent Representative. I wish to make 
mention of his Chairmanship of the Negotiating Group on Rules and his competent leadership  as 
we progress towards the Eleventh Ministerial Conference (MC11) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It 
would be remiss of me if I did not highlight the beneficial contributions made by our colleagues 
from Jamaica to the work of the WTO. Notably, Jamaica on beha lf of the Caribbean Community, 
has provided regular updates to the WTO membership on recent developments in connection with 
the issue of de -risking and the loss of correspondent banking relationships.  
4.166.   The delegation of Trinidad and Tobago considers it a si gnal privilege to participate in this 
review of the trade policies and practices of its fellow Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member 
State and our involvement today is a reflection of the warm and fraternal relations which exist 
between our nations and with in CARICOM.  
4.167.   Trinidad and Tobago considers it a source of inspiration that during the period under 
review Jamaica has experienced improvement in its macroeconomic environment and a reduction 
in the level of its public debt. The strides made in restoring ma croeconomic stability are in no 
small measure due to the country's fiscal discipline. The Government of Jamaica's commitment to 
maintaining fiscal prudence has been an important factor in achieving continued success under its 
economic reform programme.  WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  4.168.   Economic reforms in Jamaica have led to the strengthening of the financial system and 
positive developments in the country's inflation circumstance. Trinidad and Tobago applauds the 
Government of Jamaica for its responsible policies and initiatives that have  resulted in these 
positive developments.  
4.169.   Jamaica is to be commended for the establishment of the Economic Growth Council (EGC) 
in 2016. My delegation has taken note that the Council aims for Jamaica to achieve five percent 
growth in Gross Domestic Product  (GDP) within four years. The inexorable sustained economic 
growth will undoubtedly contribute to the achievement of the country's objectives.  
4.170.   Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica enjoy a longstanding, multifaceted commercial 
relationship conditioned by the CAR ICOM Single Market. Jamaica is the largest CARICOM market 
for Trinidad and Tobago's exports and was consistently ranked as a top ten export market for 
Trinidad and Tobago over the period 2010 to 2016. In 2010, Jamaica was ranked as Trinidad and 
Tobago's se cond largest export partner.  
4.171.   Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica have sought to enhance our bilateral cooperation in 
areas of trade, security, consular affairs, multilateral issues, transportation, energy, tourism and 
regional affairs via the confirmation and adoption of an Action Plan. Through this instrument both 
Governments have reaffirmed their commitment to a partnership based on shared mutual interests 
and open channels of communication.  
4.172.   Against this background of cooperation, my delegation acclaims Jama ica's commitment to 
the regional integration agenda and looks forward to working closely with that country in 
advancing the integration process of the Community and in promoting the universal benefits 
obtainable through the multilateral trading system faci litated by the WTO.  
4.173.   My delegation has submitted a number of questions and we thank Jamaica in advance for 
its written responses.  
4.174.   Chair, through you, Trinidad and Tobago wishes our CARICOM sister Jamaica, a successful 
Trade Policy Review.  
BARBADOS  
4.175.   The conte xt in which we are undertaking this Review is one that is pregnant with 
uncertainty, due largely to a reduced affection by some major economies for trade liberalization: 
the rise in anti -globalisation rhetoric, and a retreat from multilateralism. This cont ext of 
uncertainty is one which undergirds our inability to reach consensus that would allow us to move 
the trade agenda forward and also threatens to paralyze irreparably our critical negotiating 
functions. We strongly believe that unless that context is altered, we cannot see how we can be 
stringent in our criticism of other countries that also decide switch their liberalization button to a 
pause option.  
4.176.   It is against backdrop of uncertainty also that Barbados takes hastens to commend the 
Government of Ja maica on its economic performance achievements since its last trade policy 
review and its continued commitment to the multilateral trading system. Based on its performance 
during the period under review, Jamaica can boast of having made substantial progres s in 
restoring macroeconomic stability, reducing public debt, repositioning its financial system to be 
more resilient to shocks and cutting its current account deficit by half. We note, however, that 
despite these important accomplishments, economic growth  remains marginal, the country 
continues to be plagued by persistent trade deficits and one -fifth of the population still live below 
the poverty line.  
4.177.   Jamaica, a small, open economy is systematically challenged by a narrow production base, 
a high concentra tion in export markets and vulnerability external shocks. We note that the fall in 
market prices for its main commodity exports like alumina and the impact of drought and natural 
disasters have accounted for reductions in agriculture production and export earnings. We believe 
that in the context of uncertainty that it is absolutely necessary for countries, particularly small 
ones, to plan strategically for their future. We therefore commend Jamaica for its foresight in the 
development and implementation of its national Development Plan – Vision 2030, a twenty -one WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  year plan and its current commitment towards developing a new Foreign Trade Policy, together 
with the second National Export Strategy which will allow for the alignment of its trade policy and 
strategy with the country's Growth Agenda. We look forward to hearing about their successes as 
they roll out an implementation of these strategic framework and we wish them well in their 
journey to develop country status by 2030.  
4.178.   We note that since its last rev iew, the Government of Jamaica has undertaken a number of 
legislative and regulatory reforms which are aimed at increasing foreign direct investment inflows, 
improving business climate and bringing the country closer in line with its WTO obligations. These  
have contributed to improvements in the country's rankings in the World Bank's report on doing 
business, where Jamaica's ranking improved from 81st (out of 183 economies) in 2011 to 67th 
(out of 190 economies) in 2017. We applaud the Government of Jamaica  on its improved status in 
the various global indices.  
4.179.   We wish to register our fullest appreciation and empathy with regard to the worrying 
impact that the withdrawal of correspondent banking services has had on Jamaica. Small 
jurisdictions including a num ber of those in the Caribbean, which because of their size, generally 
have low volumes of transactions are among those which have been negatively impacted by 
decisions to withdraw correspondent banking relationships or other services from these countries. 
This can have far -reaching consequences for trade, particularly in the financial services sector. We, 
therefore, applaud the measures Jamaica has taken to limit the impact of the withdrawal of these 
correspondent banks.  
4.180.   Barbados, like Jamaica, remains acti vely engaged in the multilateral negotiating process in 
the WTO. This engagement, and Jamaica will certainly agree, is kept alive by the expectation of 
important future development gains.  
4.181.   In closing, Barbados reiterates its congratulations to Jamaica and w ishes the Jamaican 
delegation a successful conclusion to its 4th Trade Policy Review.  
REPUBLIC  OF MOLDOVA  
4.182.   The Republic of Moldova appreciates Jamaica's constructive role in the WTO and its active 
engagement in numerous initiatives, such as the Work Program me on Small Economies, 
supporting the view that the needs and priorities of small economies should be addressed fully in 
all areas of the WTO.  
4.183.   We commend the Jamaican Government for ratifying the Trade Facilitation Agreement in 
January 2016.  
4.184.   Trade is an im portant part for Jamaica's development, as defined in its "Vision 2030". This 
National Development Plan, implemented through a series of three -yearly medium -term 
socio-economic policy frameworks, presents a strategic roadmap for Jamaica to achieve develope d 
country status by 2030. In these documents and strategies, trade is an important factor to 
overcome development challenges from two perspectives: developing the capacity to trade by 
improving competitiveness in export markets; and ensuring that the wider  society obtains 
development benefits from trade through increased revenues and employment.  
4.185.   The period from the last trade policy review of Jamaica has been characterized by the 
restoration of the macroeconomic stability through a prudent fiscal policy, pu blic debt reduction 
and significant changes to tax policy. We commend the Jamaican government for their efforts in 
reducing the current account deficit from 13.6% of GDP to in 2011 -2012 to 3.2% in 2016 -2017.  
4.186.   We note with appreciation that Jamaica has recen tly adopted a new SEZ act in an attempt 
to meet its obligations under the WTO Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures. The 
new SEZ regime aims to attract large and medium -sized corporations that are eager to benefit 
from trade flows that pass th rough the Caribbean region as part of global value chains, as well as 
to realize Jamaica's vision of being a global logistics hub.  
4.187.   Furthermore, compliance with the WTO rules will improve the business climate. Together 
with the MSME and Entrepreneurship Pol icy launched in 2013, it will identify and implement WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  strategies that increase the capacity of MSMEs through greater access to business development 
support; increase access to MSME -specific financing; improve the business environment; and 
foster innovation and standards. The World Bank Doing Business indicators reflected progress that 
has been made, although several areas remain weak. In 2017, Jamaica was ranked 67th in the 
World Bank's Doing Business Report for ease of doing business, among 190 countries.  
4.188.   We commend the Jamaican Government on signing the Public Procurement Act. It will 
improve efficiency, transparency and equity by aligning procurement methods with international 
best practices. We encourage Jamaica to consider accession to the Government Pro curement 
Agreement of the WTO in order to ensure open, fair and transparent conditions of competition in 
the government procurement markets.  
4.189.   On the intellectual property rights protection, Jamaica has amended its Copyright Act and 
Trade Marks Act in order to fulfil its obligations under the relevant WIPO treaties. We urge Jamaica 
to accept the Protocol Amending the TRIPS Agreement.  
4.190.   The Republic of Moldova stands ready to cooperate with Jamaica in the WTO bodies, in 
order to strengthen the exchange of best p ractices on the development of our economies, 
sustainable growth, improving competitiveness and business climate.  
4.191.   Trade relations between the Republic of Moldova and Jamaica are currently modest, mainly 
due to the large geographical distance, but have been  constantly increasing. Following the 
signature of the CARICOM -EU Economic Partnership Agreement, the Republic of Moldova, close EU 
neighbour, stands ready to further engage with Jamaican partners to strengthen and diversify our 
trade and economic relation s, particularly in such important areas as agriculture, wine products, 
textiles and light industry.  
4.192.   Trade balance between Moldova and Jamaica is modest and is positive for Jamaica. In 
2016 Moldova has imported from Jamaica goods valued at US$214 thousand, an increase of 60% 
from 2015. The vast majority of imported goods are alcoholic beverages and, of course, Jamaica 
Rum. On our end, we hope to see Moldovan wines on the Jamaica market.  
4.193.   We are interested to launch bilateral negotiations with a view to sign a  Bilateral Agreement 
on encouragement and promotion of trade and economic relations between Moldova and Jamaica.  
4.194.   The Republic of Moldova is confident that the 4th exercise of the trade policy review will 
help Jamaica assess the impact of its trade and econ omic policies on sustainable and robust trade 
growth to the benefit of Jamaica itself, as well as of the world economy.  
4.195.   We look forward to continue further strengthening our bilateral relations with Jamaica and 
we wish Jamaica the utmost success during thi s trade policy review cycle.  
INDONESIA  
4.196.   Amidst the tough time the Government and people of Jamaica is facing in the aftermath of 
hurricane Irma, the presence of the Jamaican Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade in this 
fourth Trade Policy Review t ruly demonstrates Jamaica's high commitment to transparency, and 
also Jamaica's full support to the WTO multilateral trading system.  
4.197.   Indonesia applauds Jamaica for its successful endeavour in restoring macroeconomic 
stability, in pursuing prudent fiscal po licy, in reducing public debt, and in undertaking significant 
changes to its tax policy. Notable results to these quests by Jamaica are: the financial system has 
become more resilient to shocks; inflation is at historic lows; current account deficit has mo re than 
halved; net international reserves have doubled; and business confidence is high.  
4.198.   I have never been to Jamaica, but apart from capital Kingston, there remains in my bucket 
list: (i) the coral reefs of Montego Bay; (ii) the long sandy beach of Negri l; (iii) the mountain 
waterfall of Ocho Rios; and, of course, (iv) the coffee farms of the Blue Mountain.  
4.199.   So, more and more Indonesians, nowadays, associate Jamaica not only with the Reggae 
music. Nor with the legendary 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics Jamaica n bobsled team. Nor with the WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  first time the Jamaican national soccer team won a match at the World Cup Finals of soccer in 
France in 1998. Nor with the number of gold medals won by sprinters from Jamaica – whether 
running for Jamaica or for other nations.  
4.200.   The ordinary Indonesians are, nowadays, associating the island nation of Jamaica with its 
great economic potential. And rightly so, since Jamaica has been Indonesia's second largest 
trading partner amongst the 15 CARICOM economies. And Jamaica is the secon d largest market – 
amongst CARICOM economies – for Indonesian exports.  
4.201.   The total trade between Indonesia and Jamaica has been experiencing an average yearly 
growth of 15.2% from 2012 -2016, with a total trade value at US$20.2 million in 2016. In term of 
Indonesian exports to Jamaica, there accrue an average yearly growth of 17.6% from 2012 -2016, 
with a total export value at US$19.7 million in 2016. So, exports consist of 97.5% of Indonesian 
trade to Jamaica.  
4.202.   Indonesia highly values this fruitful bilateral tr ading relationship, but wishes to see that 
Jamaica also capitalize on it, by engaging in more export activities to the Indonesian part of the 
world. Perhaps, this could be a remedy to Jamaica's geographically highly concentrated export 
destinations – namel y, in the markets of the United States, the European Union, and Canada. The 
high concentration of export destinations and Jamaica's undiversified export products have 
contributed to Jamaica's persistent trade deficits. Hence, it is important that Jamaica d iversifies its 
trading partners in order to increase the possibility to diversify its export products.  
4.203.   On product diversification, Indonesia wishes to highlight that – as stated in the Secretariat 
report – there are 32 tariff lines in which MFN applied tar iff rates exceeded their bound levels. 
Amongst them are tariff lines for wood products and paper products. As wood and paper products 
are amongst the largest components to Indonesian exports into Jamaica, we encourage Jamaica to 
re-visit these measures sin ce they would limit Indonesia's opportunity to diversify export products 
into Jamaica.  
4.204.   However, Indonesia commends Jamaica for applying only few non -tariff barriers.  
4.205.   Together with other developing countries including Indonesia, Jamaica remains as a crucial  
player in WTO negotiation – especially in concluding the DDA negotiations. Indonesia looks forward 
to work closely with Ambassador Wayne McCook and his Geneva -based delegation to deliver a 
successful MC11 this upcoming December in Buenos Aires.  
4.206.   In the spi rit of MC11, I would like to end in a high note. All of us retire from this 
negotiation, just like Mr. Husain Bolt ran his last 100, 200 and 4x100 metres a month ago in 
London. But, one thing all of us can learn from him is that what matters to people is b eyond what 
he did during his career, but of what he did to revolutionize the playing field in the world of 
athletics.  
4.207.   In this review process, special thanks go to Ambassador Hogni S. Kristjansson of Iceland 
for your insightful analysis and substantiated c omments throughout this review process.  
4.208.   Finally, we would like to express our appreciation to the delegation of Jamaica for their 
hard work in this review process. Indonesia wishes Jamaica a successful Trade Policy Review.  
SRI LANKA  
4.209.   At the outset we take o pportunity to convey our sympathies to the victims and people of 
Jamaica who were affected due to devastating hurricane that caused severe damages to the 
region.  
4.210.   During the review period, Jamaica has made a notable progress in reinstating its 
macroeconomic  stability. It is interested to note that the Jamaica's financial system has become 
more resistant to shocks while keeping inflation at historically low level and enhancing the 
business confidence. We believe that sound and consistent economic policies ado pted by Jamaican 
government and proper implementation strategies have contributed towards the positive 
developments in the economy. We wish Jamaica achieving developed country status by 2030 as WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  planned in the "National Development Plan – Vision 2030 and th e Growth Agenda" launched by the 
country setting the development goals. We also note with great interest the new Foreign Trade 
Policy being drafted together with a new National Export Strategy, allowing the alignment of trade 
policy and strategy with this Growth Agenda.  
4.211.   Reaffirming Jamaica's commitment to the multilateral trading system, it became a member 
of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement in January 2016. It is noteworthy the achievements so 
far being made with regard to implementation of the TFA, in  particular, establishment of a Trade 
Facilitation Taskforce with a view to develop trade facilitation implementation road map and 
project plan to enhance the potential contribution of trade to economic growth. It is well 
recognized that Jamaica fulfils it s transparency obligations to the WTO through its notifications.  
4.212.   Let me briefly reflect on the bilateral trade and other economic relations between two 
countries. Although the two -way trade between two countries does not demonstrate a persistent 
pattern, S ri Lanka continues to enjoy trade surplus with Jamaica given the negligible level of 
imports from Jamaica to Sri Lanka. Out of Sri Lanka's exports to Jamaica, nearly three -fourth 
represented by Coconut Milk Powder, followed by yellowfin tunas, crepe rubber  and pneumatic 
tyres.  
4.213.   It is noteworthy relations between our two countries in sports. Both countries have 
produced world class cricketers.  
4.214.   In concluding, my delegation appreciates Jamaica's valued contribution to the multilateral 
trading system and its ac tive engagement in the negotiations in the WTO. We appreciated the 
dynamic role played by Ambassador McCook in proactively engaging in ongoing activities of WTO, 
in particular as the Chair of the Rules Negotiations Committee, aiming to establish widely 
acceptable disciplines for fisheries subsidies.  
4.215.   We sincerely wish the delegation of Jamaica a successful deliberation at its 4th Trade 
Policy Review.  
PAKISTAN  
4.216.   Pakistan appreciates that during the review period 2011 -17, Jamaica has made major 
strides in resto ring macroeconomic stability, pursuing prudent fiscal policy, reducing public debt 
and undertaking significant changes to its tax policy. Inflation is comparatively low, the current 
account deficit has more than halved, net international reserves have doub led. Jamaica's current 
account deficit, as a percentage of GDP, decreased from 13.6% in FY2011/12 to 3.2% in 
FY2016/17, largely due to reduced import costs, and sustained tourism and remittances earnings. 
Tariffs and other duties and charges remain Jamaica 's main trade policy instrument. A substantial 
share of the Government's central revenue is generated from taxes and charges on imports. 
International trade taxes as a percentage of total tax revenues rose from about 34% in FY2012/13 
to some 40% in FY2016/ 17.  
4.217.   It is heartening for Pakistan to note that Jamaica is taking measures to attract larger FDI 
inflows and improve the business climate. Incentives, which are accessible to both local and 
foreign firms, were simplified and streamlined. Pakistan commends Jamaica on amending its 
Copyright Act which extends the term of copyright protection from 50 to 95 years for original 
literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works, and to fulfil Jamaica's obligations under the WIPO 
Copyright Treaty and the WIPO Performan ces and Phonograms Treaty. Jamaica also amended its 
Trade Marks Act to make it more convenient for parties using the system. However, Jamaica is yet 
to accept the Protocol Amending the TRIPS Agreement.  
4.218.   Even though Jamaica's merchandise exports are dominate d by mining and quarrying 
products plus alumina, it is particularly pleasing for Pakistan to learn that Services are the main 
contributors to the economy, accounting for some 70% of GDP and employing about 67% of the 
workforce. With respect to financial se rvices, new legislation was passed during the review period: 
The Banking Services Act was adopted in 2015, and the Bank of Jamaica Act was amended in the 
same year. As a result, the financial sector has remained relatively stable during the period.  WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  4.219.   We hav e been particularly impressed by the fact that overall Internet penetration rate 
jumped from 4.4% in 2011 to 65% in 2016; during the same period, penetration rates for mobile 
phone services went up from 108.6% to 120%, while that for fixed line subscribers  increased from 
9.9% to 11.4%.  
4.220.   Pakistan has taken note that tourism sector continues to grow, and it contributes over 9% 
to GDP directly – and about 30% when secondary effects are included. It is also a major foreign 
exchange earner, accounting for over h alf of total exports. Pakistan feels that this sector can 
contribute even more if the opportunities are exploited further. Reforms in the transport sector 
which are aimed to help reduce transport costs, improve connectivity and help boost the tourism 
indus try are a step in the right direction.  
4.221.   At the WTO here in Geneva, we are highly appreciative of the hard work and efforts of 
Jamaican representative H.E. Mr. Wayne McCook in assisting the Members to strengthen the 
multilateral system and in his work on Ne gotiating Group on Rules.  
4.222.   In the end, Pakistan wishes Jamaica a very successful and fruitful TPR.  
UGANDA  
4.223.   Let me extend my delegation's condolences and sympathies to the victims of the 
devastating hurricane Irma in Jamaica.  
4.224.   From what has transpired during t he period under review, we can see that with the correct 
policies like Vision 2030, and putting good institutions in place, Jamaica has been able to make 
some very steady progress. The progress is in the areas of services, agricultural and mineral 
producti ons, which have been made possible because of Jamaica's active involvement in regional 
integration with its neighbours, and multilateral Trading Systems like the WTO.  
4.225.   It is worthy to note with satisfaction the economic growth leadership of Jamaica amongst 
the Caribbean Islands nations.  
4.226.   To conclude, I want to commend and thank the Jamaican Government for sending a very 
capable and active Ambassador to the WTO in the person of Ambassador Wayne McCook. 
Ambassador McCook has been an effective participant and co ntributor in the trade negotiations at 
the WTO.  
4.227.   I wish Jamaica a successful conclusion of its Trade Policy Review.  
INDIA  
4.228.   At the outset, let me join other delegations in expressing our deepest sympathy and 
condolences for the loss of lives and property in t he Caribbean due to the recent hurricane.  
4.229.   We note from the Secretariat's report that during the period of review there has been rapid 
progress and improvement in economic performance of Jamaica. Jamaica has also made major 
strides during the period to rest ore macro -economic stability, pursue a prudent fiscal policy, 
reduce public debt and undertake significant tax policy reforms. Investments in areas of 
infrastructure, business process, outsourcing tourism and agro processing have also grown.  
4.230.   We understand  the major challenges that Jamaica faces including addressing poverty, 
improving competitiveness in exports, diversification of the economy and the vulnerability to 
negative external shocks such as the recent drought, natural calamities and slump in commod ity 
prices that have depressed exports, challenges which developing countries like India also face.  
4.231.   Jamaica and India share warm, cordial and friendly relations together with a passion for 
cricket and music. There is a vibrant diaspora of over 70,000 Indi ans in Jamaica who trace their 
origins to ancestors who moved from India two centuries ago. They have been actively 
contributing to the socio -economic development of Jamaica. Trade between both countries though 
modest is growing at a healthy pace. There is  tremendous potential to strengthen our bilateral WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  trade and economic ties in areas such as automobiles, textiles, industrial machinery, 
pharmaceutical products and gems and jewellery.  
4.232.   India also has an active development partnership cooperation with Jamai ca. An Indian IT 
Centre and has been set up under the ICT Capacity Development Project in Jamaica and the 
aptitude displayed by the youth and skills being developed have a potential of making Jamaica a 
major provider of ICT services and the ICT sector in J amaica becoming an important job creator. 
India has also offered its expertise in providing humanitarian assistance on a number of occasions 
when hurricanes have struck Jamaica. For capacity building in technical spheres, India and 
Jamaica have a robust co operation under India's Technical Economic Cooperation (ITEC) 
programme.  
4.233.   To conclude, we look forward to working closely with Jamaica for further expanding our 
trade and investment and cooperation for mutual benefit. I also take this opportunity to place on 
record our deep appreciation for the contribution and work of Ambassador Wayne McCook to his 
country and to the WTO negotiations as the Chair of Negotiating Group on Rules. We wish the 
delegation of Jamaica a productive and successful TPR.  
EL SALVADOR  
4.234.   Entrando en materia a este ejercicio, de ambos informes queremos resaltar en primer 
lugar, la estrategia del gobierno de Jamaica denominada "Visión 2030", la cual inició hace 9 años, 
y busca alcanzar el estatus de "País Desarrollado" para el 2030. Creemos q ue trazarse objetivos 
altos y ambiciosos es el primer paso en el camino correcto para lograr grandes metas.   
4.235.   La estrategia "Visión 2030" constituye el marco general para la formulación de las políticas 
macroeconómicas y sociales, siendo el comercio y la i nversión importantes componentes, así como 
la implementación de reformas para reducir la deuda pública, y la mejora del ambiente de 
negocios y competitividad de las empresas. Esto ha llevado a Jamaica a mejorar el 64% de los 
indicadores de desempeño de Vis ión 2030, lo cual merece reconocer.  
4.236.   En cuanto al comercio bilateral, Jamaica representó el lugar número 17 de nuestras 
exportaciones totales entre 2014 y 2016, siendo una tercera parte productos plásticos, seguidos 
de productos de papel y cartón. Por el l ado de las importaciones, los principales productos 
provenientes de Jamaica fueron el ron, aparatos de oficina, jugos de frutas, entre otros. Al 
respecto, esperamos continuar fortaleciendo los lazos bilaterales con Jamaica, a fin de promover, 
entre otros, el incremento en el intercambio comercial actual.  
4.237.   En el ámbito multilateral, resaltamos el compromiso de Jamaica con el sistema multilateral 
de comercio y aplaudimos la labor y contribución de su Representación en Ginebra en la 
consecución de los mandatos de esta Organización.  
4.238.   Aprovecho también para agradecer al Embajador Wayne McCook y a su equipo por su 
activa participación en los trabajos ordinarios y extraordinarios de la OMC.  
4.239.   Por lo anterior, solo nos resta felicitar a Jamaica y desearle el mayor de los éxitos en este 
ejercicio.  
GUATEMALA  
4.240.   Guatemala y Jamaica han mantenido una relación amistosa a lo largo de los años. Ésta se 
ha visto reflejada en el sólido acercamiento que nuestros países han forjado en el marco del Grupo 
de Economías Pequeñas y Vulne rables (EPV), dentro de la OMC. A pesar de la distancia geográfica 
existente entre nuestros países, las conversaciones sostenidas en el seno de este grupo, nos han 
permitido identificar con mayor profundidad las importantes características y restos que 
compartimos y en este sentido, unificar esfuerzos hacia la búsqueda de soluciones conjuntas.  
4.241.   En relación con la evaluación que hoy nos concierne, es importante resaltar los resultados 
económicos positivos observados en Jamaica, desde su último Examen de polít icas comerciales en 
2011. Tal como se indica en el reporte, Jamaica ha hecho importantes progresos en la 
recuperación de la estabilidad macroeconómica, la aplicación de una política fiscal prudente, la WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  reducción de la deuda pública y la introducción de imp ortantes modificaciones en su política 
tributaria. Adicionalmente, las autoridades de Jamaica se han propuesto como objetivo alcanzar la 
condición de país desarrollado a través de su "Plan de Desarrollo Jamaica 2030". Así como 
fortalecer la atracción de In versión Extranjera Directa (IED) y fomentar una profunda 
diversificación de la oferta exportable, tal como se refleja en la Estrategia Nacional de Exportación 
(NES). Consideramos que todas estas medidas, y la promulgación de nuevas leyes sobre 
contratación  pública, incentivos fiscales y servicios bancarios entre otras, contribuirán a fortalecer 
la economía y promover un incremento de su comercio y atracción de inversiones extranjeras.  
4.242.   Dentro de los retos identificados en el informe preparado por la Secretar ía, cabe mencionar 
la importancia que reviste para Jamaica el continuar evaluando diversas vías para fortalecer su 
resistencia ante los cambios súbitos de la economía mundial, así como la mejora en el clima de 
negocios y el fortalecimiento al sector turíst ico como elemento principal de su economía.  
4.243.   Guatemala reconoce los esfuerzos realizados por Jamaica durante el período evaluado en 
este informe y desea a la delegación que hoy los representa, una exitosa conclusión de su examen 
de políticas comerciales.  
GUYANA  
4.244.   We want to start by calling attention to Jamaica's status as a small island open economy, 
with all that implies in terms of trade in commodities and services dependence and vulnerability, 
we feel that Jamaica's resilience, performance and capacity is perhaps not well represented by its 
growth rate since 2011 although this is increasing in the most recent period. Despite the creativity 
and resourcefulness of its people, its government and its private sector, a combination of negative 
external shocks suc h as the 2008/9 global financial crisis and natural disasters such as hurricane 
Sandy in 2012 and more recent shocks such as hurricane Irma has undermined the progress of its 
economy. Yet, Jamaica has made significant strides in restoring macroeconomic sta bility over the 
last few years, mainly due to effective fiscal policy, undertaking tax reforms, strengthening of its 
financial system resulting in reducing Public debt, reducing inflation and doubling its net 
international reserves.  
4.245.   Guyana highly commends  the reforms and activities undertaken by Jamaica to increase 
productivity and competitiveness to enhance the contribution of trade to economic growth. We 
point especially to the new draft foreign trade policy, the national Aid for Trade strategy, the 
second national export strategy, the particular attention to the Agriculture sector through the 
integrated Agro -Park approach and the consolidation of agriculture commodity boards. We also 
commend the national development plan "vision 2030" - which is a roadmap  for Jamaica to achieve 
its high human and economic development goals by the year 2030.  
4.246.   We recognize some continuing challenges faced by Jamaica. Unemployment particularly 
among youths, lack of fiscal space as a result a high level of indebtedness, protect ionism in key 
markets, de -risking by financial institutions in major economies. In regard to these challenges, we 
support Jamaica's call for continued Technical assistance and capacity building for its priority 
sectors as needed and also the call for some of these challenges and other development -related 
issues to receive attention in global economic development forums and at the upcoming 11th 
Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  
4.247.   We would like to congratulate our CARICOM sister country on its commitment to the WTO 
and the multilateral trading system. This has been demonstrated in its ratification of the Trade 
facilitation Agreement back in January of 2016 and its efforts to advance negotiations in the DDA 
by assuming the chairmanship of the Neg otiating Group on Rules. Enough cannot be said about 
Ambassador McCook's contributions at the WTO representing Jamaica, assisting the Caribbean and 
the WTO in general. We highly commend Ambassador McCook's outstanding work more recently in 
the negotiating group on rules and especially as these efforts relate to disciplining fisheries 
subsidies which is so important to CARICOM countries.  
4.248.   Guyana wishes the Government of Jamaica the best success in advancing their reforms 
and programmes which we hope will cont ribute to the economic and social development of their 
people. Guyana looks forward to continuing the strong, collaborative and mutually beneficial 
partnership with Jamaica within the framework of CARICOM and especially in the context of the WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  Caribbean Sing le Market and Economy with the aim of fostering sustainable development in the 
wider Caribbean region. We wish Jamaica a very successful Trade policy review.  
DOMINICA  ON BEHALF  OF THE OECS  WTO  MEMBERS   
4.249.   The OECS considers it a privilege and pleasure to part icipate in this 4th Trade Policy Review 
of Jamaica at the WTO.  
4.250.   The membership of the OECS and Jamaica share a long history of solidarity, cooperation, 
trade and mutual respect with a common geography, history, culture and people. We congratulate 
them on th e preparation and work that has led to this stage of the review.  
4.251.   As we noted at the last Trade Policy Review, Jamaica has a clear vision for its future. Its 
National Development Plan – Vision 2030, Jamaica seeks developed country status by 2030, a goal 
which every developing country would share. To ensure the realization of this goal, Jamaica has 
put in place various policies, strategies, initiatives with strong support in institutional and 
implementation frameworks.  
4.252.   In that regard, we note and commend Jama ica on its economic reform programme, a 
strategic plan of action aimed at generating the sustained economic growth, and long -term 
development of the country. We note that it has resulted in improvements in a number of 
Jamaica's economic fundamentals in the  areas of debt reduction, tax reform, public -private sector 
partnership, public sector reform and job creation.  
4.253.   The OECS also commends Jamaica on its ongoing initiatives to address trade and 
trade -related capacity constraints, and improve on export product ion diversification and 
international competitiveness. In that regard, we note the launch of the national aid for trade 
strategy in 2011, the implementation in 2015 of the national export strategy, the reforming of the 
trade facilitation regime and the con tinued implementation of its obligations under bilateral 
regional trade agreements, as well as the WTO.  
4.254.   Recognizing the important role that investment plays in any economy, but particularly in a 
small island developing State, Jamaica has placed high import ance on attracting investment, 
foreign direct investment. This is seen in its efforts to improve the business environment as well as 
the development and implementation of some strategic investment projects, including the global 
logistic hub initiative, the  establishment of special economic zones and information communication 
technology business processing outsourcing. As well as also the business reform agenda with the 
establishment of the National Competitiveness Council.  
4.255.   We also note that there are plans to develop a National Investment Policy by 2018. 
Jamaica and the OECS face similar challenges as small vulnerable economies, small island 
developing States and net food importing developing countries. This includes a small domestic 
market, relative high co st of production and trade, limited production capacity, narrow export base 
and high product competition on export markets among others.  
4.256.   The two parties endure high import bills and both sustain trade deficits in their global 
merchandise trade. The small n ature of the economies and the high vulnerability to external 
shocks exacerbated by the highly open trade regimes, high dependence on imports and the impact 
of climate change present even greater hurdles in trying to address some of these challenges.  
4.257.   In that regard, we recognize and very readily relate to the issues listed in Section 4.3 on 
the impact of global economic developments on Jamaica's trade performance, including de -risking 
and Brexit. These are among the issues that the OECS are also grappling w ith and which both of 
us are working together on in the region.  
4.258.   With regards to the macroeconomic environment and performance, we note a very modest 
growth in the economy, but also the improvements made in the current account, the international 
reserves a nd government spending and inflation.  
4.259.   Jamaica's commitment to the regional and multilateral trading system and to the 
implementation of its WTO obligations is commendable. It also remains committed to CARICOM WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  and it is an important partner of the OECS. Wi th a GDP of 14,262 million and a population of 
2.8 million, Jamaica is a very important trading partner for the OECS within CARICOM. Although 
the OECS member States sustain a trade deficit with Jamaica, it is a valuable export market for 
most of the OECS m ember States as well as an important source of imports.  
4.260.   At the WTO, we share the same interests on special and differential treatment and on the 
work programme on small economies. Jamaica also plays a very important role in the WTO, 
including during the ne gotiation on trade facilitation, where Ambassador McCook played a critical 
role and now in the negotiating group on rules on fisheries subsidies.  
4.261.   To conclude, the OECS would like to congratulate Jamaica and to wish it a very successful 
Trade Policy Review.  
KENYA  
4.262.   Kenya and Jamaica have longstanding warm and cordial relations, which have deepened 
over the many years of diplomatic and economic relation.  
4.263.   We note that since the last TPR in 2011, Jamaica has undertaken reforms that have 
enabled restoration of mac roeconomic stability and prudent fiscal policy. Some of the reforms 
worth mentioning is the launch of a National Aid for Trade Strategy, the implementation of the 
National Export Strategy 2, the reforming of the trade facilitation regime, and the continued  
implementation of its international trade obligations.  
4.264.   We also commend Jamaica's efforts for implementing reform programmes aimed at 
attracting Foreign Direct investment. The reforms which include simplification of the tax system, 
broadening the tax base,  implementing an electronic platform for the payment of taxes, and 
establishing a 90 -day window for development approvals, will no doubt help in improving the 
business climate and competitiveness.  
4.265.   We note that Jamaica has an economy that is very open to in ternational trade. As a 
founder Member of the WTO, Jamaica has made a tremendous progress to integrate fully into the 
multilateral trading system and to reap real benefits from international trade. We commend 
Jamaica for ratifying the WTO Trade Facilitatio n Agreement in January 2016. At the regional level, 
Jamaica is an active member of the Caribbean Community and Common Market whose objective is 
to deepen regional integration towards a single market and a single economy.  
4.266.   According to the Secretariat report , services continues to play a very important role in the 
Jamaican economy being a significant earner of foreign exchange and accounts for 70% of GDP 
and employing about 67% of the workforce.  
4.267.   The agricultural sector has also been playing a very important r ole in the economic 
development. Agriculture represents about 7% of GDP and employs about 18% of the total 
workforce. However, we note that agriculture faces many challenges such an inadequate 
infrastructure and natural disasters.  
4.268.   On the bilateral front, t he total trade between the two countries during 2016 amounted to 
US$1 million and trade balance is in favour of Jamaica. However, there is significant scope to 
improve our bilateral trade relation.  
4.269.   Finally, Kenya welcomes the efforts by Jamaica in enhancin g its overall economic growth 
and development through multilateral, regional and bilateral initiatives.  
4.270.   We wish Jamaica a successful Trade Policy Review.  
NIGERIA  
4.271.   From the outset, let me start by extending our sympathy to the countries affected by 
hurricane  Irma. Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected.  WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  4.272.   Nigeria is pleased to note that during the period under review 2011 -17, Jamaica has made 
significant progress in restoring macroeconomic stability, through pursuing prudent fiscal policy, 
reducing pu blic debt and undertaking significant changes to its tax policy. These measures have 
made the financial system of Jamaica to become more resilient to shocks, reducing inflation which 
is at historic low, increasing the international reserves and has improve d the business confidence 
on the economy.  
4.273.   Further, Jamaica is taking measures to attract larger FDI inflows and improve the business 
climate, though the simplification of the tax system; broadening the tax base; implementing an 
electronic platform for the payment of taxes; and establishing a 90 -day window for development 
approvals. It has also issued or amended a large amount of legislation since 2011, including the 
Insolvency Act, the Fiscal Incentives Act, the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Act, the Public 
Procurement Act, the Bank Services Act, and the Electricity Act, among others. Nigeria believes 
that these measures would have positive impact on the livelihood of the people of Jamaica.  
4.274.   Being an original Member of the WTO, Jamaica has continued to play ac tive role in the 
WTO negotiations. The delegation of Jamaica has maintained the call that special and differential 
treatment must be a fundamental pillar of WTO work and must be appropriately reflected in the 
outcomes of the WTO negotiations. Jamaica is a proponent of the Work Programmes on Small 
Economies, supporting the position that the needs and priorities of such economies must be 
addressed fully and in all areas of the WTO. Jamaica has never been a respondent or complainant 
in a WTO dispute, however, it was a third party to the dispute settlement system of the WTO, 
thereby, improving its capacity in the use of the dispute settlement system. On transparency, 
Nigeria would like to thank Jamaica for the notifications it has submitted to the WTO, which wou ld 
help in the functioning of the MTS.  
4.275.   At bilateral level, Nigeria has had long and historic relations with Jamaica and the relations 
have remained cordial. Our two countries shared many similar values and traditions. Jamaica and 
Nigeria are members of the  ACP and G33, and are strong advocates for the WTO rules that take 
into account the concerns of developing countries, in particular, the least -developed countries, 
small vulnerable economies and net food importing developing countries, as well as the need to 
preserve the policy space necessary to implement critical development programmes.  
4.276.   Finally, we wish the delegation of Jamaica a successful trade policy review.   WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRE SENTATIVE OF JAMAICA  AND ADDITIONAL COMME NTS 
5.1.  Mr. Chairman, I wish to fi rst express my sincere appreciation for the thorough and insightful 
presentation made by Ambassador Kristjansson on Wednesday. The Jamaican delegation is 
particularly grateful for his balanced approach to his role as discussant.  
5.2.  The Jamaican delegation als o wishes to thank all delegations for their participation in the 
meeting on Wednesday, which reflects an acknowledgement of Jamaica's role in and contribution 
to a rules -based multilateral trading system. The Jamaican delegation is grateful for the notes o f 
commendation on Jamaica's implementation of its economic and trade reform agenda. We took 
note of the concerns expressed in some areas, and will consider the recommendations advanced 
by delegations.  
Specific Issues Highlighted by Delegations  
5.3.  Mr. Chairman , I will first seek to respond to the specific issues highlighted by the delegations 
on Wednesday.  
The CET Anomaly  
5.4.  Jamaica is cognizant of the tariff lines that have exceeded our bound rate obligation. Indeed, 
it is an anomaly that we are taking steps to resolve. It may be noted, however, that this anomaly 
partly resulted from Jamaica's application of the CARICOM CET for some products that are above 
Jamaica's bound rate. The matter is being addressed at the level of CARICOM in a review of the 
CET regime wh ich is now underway. The review is scheduled to be completed in December 2017.  
5.5.  Additional Stamp Duty  
5.6.  Mr. Chairman, as it relates to concerns raised regarding Jamaica's Additional Stamp Duty, it 
may be recalled that WTO Members are allowed to apply "other d uties and charges" (ODC), in so 
far as they have been included in the Member's WTO schedule of concessions. It is worth noting, 
Mr Chairman, that Jamaica notified the Additional Stamp Duty as a recognized ODC in its WTO 
Schedule of Commitments. The ASD, as  is applied on selected imports, is consistent with our 
schedule and is governed by the Stamp Duty Act 1937 (as amended).  
Outstanding notifications  
5.7.  Delegations also raised the issue of Jamaica's outstanding notifications. Despite capacity 
constraints, Mr. Chairman, Jamaica has sought to keep up with its notification requirements under 
the WTO Agreements. It appears, however, that we require further clarification on the areas in 
which notification is required. We will work with the WTO Secretariat to clarify  the outstanding 
obligations with a view to taking appropriate action.  
SPS Issues  
5.8.  On issues related to sanitary and phytosanitary measures, Mr. Chairman, all animals and 
animal products, by -products and any related item to be imported into Jamaica must ob tain an 
import permit from the Veterinary Services Division of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, 
Agriculture and Fisheries. The sole purpose of this permit, Mr. Chairman, is to ensure that the 
source from which the importation is to be undertaken is free  from all form of pathogens that 
could be injurious to the country's human or animal population.  
5.9.  Jamaica is party to the Protocol Governing CARICOM Control Analysis and Approval 
Procedures for trade in animals and animal products, and we abide by the decis ions made by this 
body.  
5.10.   Any country desirous of exporting any animal, animal product or by -product into Jamaica 
must apply for such access through the CARICOM Secretariat from which a determination is made 
whether to grant a permit to allow entry or whethe r a risk evaluation must first be conducted.  WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  Amendments to the TRIPS Protocol  
5.11.   Mr. Chairman, Jamaica recognizes the importance of the TRIPS agreement and its potential 
to foster domestic innovation, encourage foreign direct investment, and aid in improving  access to 
generic drugs. It is for this reason that my Ministry is engaged actively in close consultations with 
the relevant Ministries and Agencies within the Government, with a view to deciding on ratification 
of the protocol amending this Agreement.  
Systemic issues  
5.12.   Mr. Chairman, I now turn to the more systemic issues raised by delegations.  
Poverty Reduction  
5.13.   Mr. Chairman, the issue of poverty alleviation was raised by delegations on Wednesday. The 
Government of Jamaica acknowledges that more work is need ed to further reduce Jamaica's 
poverty rate. It is within this context that on 4 September 2017, Cabinet approved the National 
Policy on Poverty and the National Poverty Reduction Programme.   
5.14.   The programme identifies the need for interventions to be imple mented at the national, 
community and individual/household levels. The Programme is to be delivered through 
medium -term cycles aligned with the Medium Term Socio -Economic Policy Frameworks of 
Jamaica's national development plan, Vision 2030.  
5.15.   The targeted n ature of the programme will include focusing on specific groups and 
administering a slate of critical interventions. The programme will seek to reach, in the first 
instance, those without adequate nutrition in an effort to eradicate extreme hunger and pove rty. 
Secondly, the programme will seek to build and strengthen the productive and earning capacity of 
those consuming within 10% above the poverty line. These are the transient poor who are 
susceptible to external shocks, and can easily fall in and out of poverty.  
5.16.   In addition to addressing basic needs and promoting economic empowerment, the 
programme will seek to influence psychosocial factors, cultural practices and norms among the 
poor that perpetuate poverty. This component will also seek to strengthen and reinforce positive 
values, practices, and coping strategies among the poor and within the society that will result in 
strong families and communities. It is envisioned that the results of such interventions will lead to 
improved parenting practices, in creased levels of motivation towards education and training, and 
higher levels of personal responsibility and social capital. The medium -term focus will also involve 
the strengthening of basic social and physical infrastructure and increasing access.  
Secur ity Environment  
5.17.   Mr. Chairman, Jamaica is fully aware of the implications of security concerns for the gains 
made in reforming its trade and economic regime. We are encouraged that five of the seven 
categories of serious crime show substantial reductions. W hile work continues in that regard we 
are redoubling our efforts in addressing the more intractable categories. It is also important to 
note that incidents of serious crime are largely concentrated in identifiable localities.  
5.18.   The Government of Jamaica rec ognizes that crime is multi -dimensional and has therefore 
embarked on a series of strategies which seek to reverse the historical approaches taken to the 
issue of crime and violence in Jamaica. These strategies include legislative and justice reform, 
increased focus on rehabilitation in correctional institutions, social intervention and leveraging the 
use of technology, to dismantle organised crime and remove profit from illegal activities. The 
implementation of this strategic mix of law enforcement, accoun tability and social intervention 
adheres to the Government's obligations to protect the rights of its citizens, while addressing 
safety concerns.  
5.19.   The Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) (Special Security and Community 
Development) Act, recently passed , underpins a new and innovative intervention which targets 
localities with chronic high levels of crime. The Act gives the Prime Minister, on the advice of the 
National Security Council, powers to declare specific high -crime localities of Jamaica for spec ial WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  security operations and community development measures. This is intended to displace the 
criminal element and re -engage marginalized and vulnerable members of these communities.  
5.20.   The Act mandates that within five days of declaration of the zone a Social  Intervention 
Committee, Chaired by the Prime Minister, must be convened to address critical human needs and 
build basic infrastructure to promote peace and economic empowerment. These include basic 
social services that you would presume exist: civil regis tration, health and social protection, 
employment and skills training. The first zone was declared on 1 September 2017, and is 
operating according to plan.  
5.21.   Mr. Chairman, Jamaica's anti -corruption efforts continue. Steps are being taken to 
strengthen the in stitutional and legislative framework including through the promulgation of a new 
Integrity Commission Bill. The Bill, which is in its final stages before the Parliament will strengthen 
measures for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of acts of corruption through 
the creation of a single anti -corruption agency. Also before Parliament is a bill to institutionalize an 
elite law -enforcement agency responsible for investigating major organized crime. These efforts 
will also be supported by  the National Identification and Registration Act, which is designed to 
facilitate a secure, reliable and robust verification and authentication of the identity of all Jamaican 
residents.  
5.22.   The engagement of our bilateral, regional and international partners  in these efforts, in 
addition to the fight against the emerging challenges of cyber -security, money laundering and 
anti-narco trafficking remain critical to these success.  
Infrastructural Development  
5.23.   Mr. Chairman, infrastructural development in Jamaica wa s highlighted by delegations as an 
area requiring further work. Jamaica acknowledges that this issue is one of our major supply -side 
constraints. To address Jamaica's deficit in this area, the Government of Jamaica is primarily using 
the divestment of gove rnment assets through Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements in 
which private sector capital is provided.  
5.24.   Recent successful divestments include our main seaport to a large international operator, 
which is integral to our efforts to expand the trade -related infrastructure and enhance our 
participation in global trade. The divestment of the international airport in our capital city is now 
underway. Specialized Enterprise Teams have also been formed within the Development Bank of 
Jamaica to oversee infr astructure development transactions in the areas of water, energy, 
commercial and residential real estate, as well as agriculture.  
National Disaster Resilience  
5.25.   Mr. Chairman, Jamaica has long recognized the importance of disaster risk management to 
the ach ievement of its national development goals. Over the last 20 years, Jamaica has had an 
impact from natural disasters of 2 -3% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per year. Given the 
Government's goal to deliver strong economic growth and prosperity for all Jama icans, we 
acknowledge that this can only be achieved if deliberate, proactive, strategic and integrated 
approaches to reducing risk are urgently implemented across all sectors and at all levels.  
5.26.   We wholeheartedly support, Mr. Chairman, the view expressed b y the Permanent 
Representative of Barbados on Wednesday that we must recognize the vulnerability of Small 
Island Developing States (SIDS) such as those in the Caribbean. Our geographic location, our 
fragile economies and our susceptibility to natural disas ters speak for themselves.  
5.27.   At the regional level, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), 
which was established over 25 years ago, continues to coordinate the regional responses to 
disasters. Jamaica's own Office of Disaster Preparedne ss and Emergency Management (ODPEM), 
operates in close collaboration with this Agency.  
5.28.   Jamaica has embarked on a number of strategies and initiatives such as our Building 
Disaster Resilient Communities (BDRC) Programme supported by a number of development  WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  partners and NGOs over the last 8 years. These projects and interventions have seen us pursuing 
resilience activities in more than 200 of over 700 vulnerable communities on the island.  
5.29.   We are partnering with the World Bank under the Jamaica Disaster Vuln erability Reduction 
Project, which is a multi -sector, multi -level strategic programme involving government, academia 
and private sector partnerships. The Ministry of Health, with the help of PAHO and the WHO, has 
programmed 4 main areas for risk reduction initiatives to include the Smart Hospitals Strategy, 
and has also targeted 100 local health facilities for assessment within the next 4 -5 years.  
5.30.   Jamaica has also commenced the use of geospatial data and information in this context. We 
have established a N ational Emergency Geospatial Information Specialist Team (NERGIST) – a 
team of volunteers across Government and private sector that collect and analyse geospatial data 
to aid in preparation, mitigation and response efforts.  
Diversification of exports and markets  
5.31.   Mr. Chairman, on the matter of diversification of exports and markets, we agree that 
Jamaica must accelerate efforts to diversify its exports and export markets. This is the "raison 
d'être" for Jamaica's Global Logistics Hub Initiative and the esta blishment of our Special Economic 
Zones.  
5.32.   The reshaping of the framework and implementation strategy for the development of ports 
and special economic zones, and their integration into the local economy, is scheduled to be 
completed in October of this year . The strategy will also guide investment targeting and clustering 
of industries.  
5.33.   The Special Economic Zone Authority, created by the SEZ Act, resulted in the repeal of the 
Jamaica Export Free Zone Act, which was focused on export incentives. The new legis lation and 
regulations will facilitate the integration of Jamaica's businesses into global supply and value 
chains so as to improve export diversification and access to new markets. The development of 
regulations to support the operations of the zones shou ld be in place by the end of 2017. The SEZ 
Authority, which is operational, is guiding the development of the regulations.  
5.34.   The Logistics Hub Initiative will seek to link Jamaican producers and service suppliers with 
transnational companies in ways which r edound to the benefit of Jamaica through job creation, 
technology transfers and skills development.  
5.35.   Mr. Chairman, the 2014 tax reform package replaced sector specific tax incentives with a 
general set of incentives that would be accessible by all investors , irrespective of their sector of 
concentration. The reform creates the environment for investors to engage in the production of 
varied goods, which lends itself to broader export possibilities.  
5.36.   In order to meet its obligations under the WTO Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing 
Measures to eliminate its export subsidy programmes by 31 December 2015, Jamaica repealed 
four pieces of legislation that were notified to the WTO as containing export subsidies. The new 
WTO-consistent incentives regime provide s for incentives that are general in application and has 
increased transparency in the process of granting waivers.   
CARICOM Regional Integration  
5.37.   Mr. Chairman, on the matter of CARICOM regional integration, Jamaica shares the concerns 
expressed by delegat ions at the slow pace of the implementation of the CARICOM Single Market 
and Economy (CSME). Jamaica remains committed to pursuing efforts at the regional level to 
advance the process.  
5.38.   We are encouraged that following a year -long review of the current sta tus of CSME 
implementation, the 38th Regular Session of CARICOM Heads of Government held in July 2017, 
approved a CSME Implementation Plan for the period 2017 -2019.  WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  Energy  
5.39.   Mr. Chairman, the cost of energy has been a major impediment to our global 
competit iveness and the retention of foreign exchange earnings. To address this issue, the 
Government is increasing the contribution of renewable energy to the national grid, with a target 
of 30% by 2030. We are now at 16.5% with 37 megawatts of additional renewab le energy sources 
on stream for next year. Efforts are also underway to switch Jamaica's primary source of electricity 
from oil and diesel to Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), which is a cheaper source of electricity for 
businesses and consumers. A new LNG plan t was opened in western Jamaica in 2016 and in 2019 
another is planned for close to Kingston, our capital city.  
5.40.   In addition, the Government is incentivizing the use of energy conservation equipment and 
appliances, creating public awareness around energy c onservation, and partnering with non -State 
actors on a number of pilot projects aimed at reducing energy consumption.  
5.41.   Finally, Mr. Chairman, I must express my appreciation to you, Ambassador Kristjansson, all 
delegations which have participated in the disc ussions over the two days. We have sought to 
respond to the questions and comments which Members have raised during this exercise. We have 
also circulated responses to most of the written questions received before Wednesday, and those 
that are outstanding will be circulated as soon as possible.  
5.42.   We received follow -up questions overnight from a number of delegations. Responses to 
these will be provided as soon as possible within the time allotted. I thank you.  
DISCUSSANT  
5.43.   Let me begin by congratulating Jamaica  again on its successful TPR.  
5.44.   The preparation for this TPR has illustrated the deep commitment that Jamaica has towards 
the international trading system. That was highlighted by delegations on Wednesday and is 
illustrated by the important tasks the member ship has trusted to my colleague Ambassador 
McCook.  
5.45.   The Jamaican team has approached the work in this TPR in a very professional way. In her 
detailed intervention on Wednesday, Minister Johnson Smith gave us very clear overview of state 
of affairs and the policy for the way forward. And again here today the Minister has responded in 
detail to the main points raised by delegations which we highly appreciate.  
5.46.   I will in my intervention this morning highlight the main issues that have emerged from our 
dialogue Wednesday and through the written questions.  
Achievements  
5.47.   Firstly, it can be extracted from interventions by delegations the remarkable economic 
progress Jamaica has made since the 2011 review. There is no need to repeat the indicators here 
today. They spe ak for themselves.  
5.48.   Secondly, delegations applauded the Government of Jamaica for its comprehensive policy 
making in broad number of areas. The Government continues to follow those policies rigorously 
with new legislation, strategies being adopted and impl emented with clear objectives and 
measurable indicators. All on the basis of Vision 2030 Jamaica which is the main point of 
reference.  
5.49.   Many delegations complemented the Government for its comprehensive tax reforms that 
have been undertaken and are ongoing with the main objective to provide further incentive for 
economic growth.  
5.50.   Furthermore, plans that are underway to strengthen the agricultural export sector should 
also be mentioned, as agriculture is an important component of Jamaica's export base.  WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  5.51.   Deleg ations and the Minister highlighted the importance of services in the Jamaican 
economy with particular reference to tourism. It was clear from the Minister's statement that 
comprehensive work is underway to strengthen tourism as a source of export revenues . In that I 
see similarities between Jamaica and my own country and stress the importance of policy making 
in that regard. In particular, I would highlight the plans to strengthen linkages between the 
tourism industry and other areas of the economy like ag riculture. This is exactly what has 
developed strongly in my country in recent years and has in fact become one of the strongest 
supporting pillars to regular agricultural activity.  
5.52.   Finally, on trade policy, many delegations referred to the important polic y making 
undertaken in reviewing the foreign trade policy of Jamaica.  
5.53.   In this context, it should be mentioned that some delegations raised issues related to 
conclusions of FTAs and to deepen the CARICOM cooperation, in particular to accelerate the 
developm ent of the CARICOM Single Market.  
5.54.   In a nutshell the policy making and the measures taken are about reforms to support 
sustainable long -term growth.  
5.55.   The growth plan is ambitious as outlined by the Minister to reach a 5% growth per annum in 
the next four ye ars.  
5.56.   And as pointed out by many delegations, this is all resulting in the fact that Jamaica is 
sprinting up the list of different indexes measuring various economic performances.  
5.57.   At the same time, recent events show the vulnerability to natural catastroph es that have 
direct impact on growth. It illustrates the fact that Jamaica is a small island State dependent on 
international trade and investment and is vulnerable to external shocks.  
5.58.   On the other hand, delegations highlighted number of issues that are of  concern to them. I 
will not go in any details but only mention the main areas.  
5.59.   Firstly, many delegations raised concerns regarding higher duties compared to the last 
review on some products and still very high duties on agricultural products. In addition,  many 
delegations raised concerns regarding stamp duties and additional stamp duties in particular on 
agricultural products. They urged the Government to look into the system seeking more 
transparency.  
5.60.   Secondly, delegations referred to customs procedures s till being cumbersome and 
highlighted the importance of progressing further with regard to trade facilitation like, for example, 
to increase electronic customs procedures. In that context, the new Customs Act being presented 
is the opportunity to advance f urther in this area.  
5.61.   Thirdly, delegations referred to internal security as an area that still had negative impact on 
economic progress and highlighted the importance of addressing, for example, institutional 
weaknesses in that respect.  
5.62.   Fourthly, many deleg ations referred to the low growth rate still being a challenge for the 
Jamaican government even though positive signs are being seen on that front.  
Final remarks  
5.63.   Many neighbouring delegations mentioned the historical links between their countries and 
Jamai ca. That illustrates that it is not only trade per se that is of importance but also historical 
ties. After all, if you look at trade figures you normally find out that your most important trading 
partners are your neighbours.  
5.64.   Recent natural catastrophes s hould also be seen in that context; they have much broader 
impact than just in communities directly hit.  
5.65.   Some neighbouring delegations mentioned cultural links.  WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  5.66.   But such links reach beyond neighbours. For many of my generation in Europe and all over 
the w orld I am sure the first knowledge of Jamaica was through music. Day in and day out you 
could sit and enjoy Bob Marley and then you started to dig further and found Peter Tosh and later 
on Ziggy Marley and so on. Bit rebellious, but that is often what you associate with a young age. 
But their work is still there and they are a solid part of our Spotify lists of today.  
5.67.   And then you become older and you start to enjoy top quality Jamaican coffee while still 
enjoying Bob Marley.  
5.68.   Sport is another example linkin g countries together. The endless production of sprinters 
from Jamaica is remarkable. One delegation mentioned football and the world cup. And yes 
Jamaica was there in 1998. This is all part of nations identity.  
5.69.   It has been a privilege to participate in t his process of Jamaica; in particular when you are 
able, due to a solid performance of the country under review, to approach it from a positive angle 
like all delegations have in fact done.  
5.70.   Let me finally thank all the delegations that have actively partic ipated in this exercise with 
interventions and written questions.  
5.71.   Let me also thank the Secretariat for its kind assistance to me as discussant. Furthermore, 
let me complement the Secretariat for its work on the report because, once again, it has produced  
a document that is a clear point of reference to all of those that want to get closer acquainted with 
Jamaica, its economy and the general trade environment.  
5.72.   Also let me thank my colleague Ambassador Wayne McCook for the inside he provided me 
with during my preparations.  
5.73.   I wish you Madam Minister, your Government and the Jamaican people all the success on 
the journey towards 2030. Thank you.  
BÉNIN  
5.74.   La délégation du Bénin apprécie les efforts déployés et les initiatives et réformes menées 
par les autorités e t institutions jamaïcaines compétentes en vue d'établir un nouveau cadre 
d'exercice des activités économiques et commerciales.  
5.75.   Nous mentionnerons, notamment, les réformes en vue de l'assainissement des finances, le 
resserrement de la politique monétaire de  la Banque, la promotion de la production agricole, la 
transparence et la simplification des procédures dans l'Administration publiques, etc.  
5.76.   Ces réforment visent à établir un cadre favorable à la réalisation des objectifs visés dans le 
Plan de développeme nt national vision 2030, qui devra contribuer à faire de la Jamaïque un pays 
développé d'ici à 2030.  
5.77.   La délégation du Bénin félicite la Jamaïque pour les progrès déjà enregistrés dans le cadre 
de la réalisation de ce Plan, en dépit des chocs externes et de s contraintes naturelles et 
environnementales. Le regain de la croissance économique en 2016, estimée à 1,5%, pourra 
insuffler un nouvel élan à la poursuite de la réalisation des objectifs fixés dans ce Plan.  
5.78.   La délégation du Bénin encourage la Jamaïque à poursuivre ces réformes.  
5.79.   La Jamaïque est un acteur stratégique du Système Commercial Multilatéral basé sur les 
règles. Elle est un ardent défenseur de ce système.  
5.80.   La délégation du Bénin remercie la Jamaïque pour ses efforts visant à injecter la dimension 
développement dans les travaux de négociations commerciales multilatérales et régionales, y 
compris le renforcement du Groupe des ACP.  
5.81.   La délégation du Bénin apprécie à sa juste valeur les contributions utiles de l'Ambassadeur 
Wayne McCook et de son équipe , leur engagement constructif et les interactions utiles dans les WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  travaux du Cycle de négociations commerciales de Doha, notamment les efforts déployés pour 
faire progresser les travaux préparatoires de la 11ème Conférence Ministérielle de l'OMC, dans 
différentes configurations, au sein du Groupe de négociations sur les Règles, du G90, et au niveau 
du Groupe 77 et la Chine à la CNUCED, etc..  
5.82.   La délégation du Bénin, tout comme celle de la Jamaïque, est convaincue que dans le 
contexte économique internationa l actuel, la fonction de négociation de l'OMC devra être plus que 
jamais renforcée pour obtenir à la 11ème Conférence Ministérielle à Buenos Aires des résultats 
positifs et concrets qui donnent la priorité au développement, conformément au Programme de 
Doha pour le Développement, et qui soutiendront les efforts pour la réalisation des Objectifs de 
développement durable (ODD).  
5.83.   La délégation du Bénin remercie le Secrétariat de l'OMC et le Gouvernement de la Jamaïque 
pour les Rapports très informatifs élaboré s dans le cadre de la présente session d'Examen des 
politiques commerciales de la Jamaïque.  
5.84.   Elle souhaite pleins succès à la Jamaïque et un examen réussi de ses politiques 
commerciales.  
HAÏTI  
5.85.   Ma délégation félicite la Jamaïque pour son quatrième Examen de  politique commerciale, un 
travail qui demande toujours un grand effort jusqu'à sa concrétisation. Elle en profite pour féliciter 
le Secrétariat de l'OMC pour son rapport et le présentateur pour son rapport de synthèse sur les 
grandes lignes de cet examen.  
5.86.   La Jamaïque a effectué un train de réformes au niveau fiscal, macroéconomique et 
commercial qui ont influencé positivement son économie. Cela a permis de renforcer son système 
financier et de diminuer l'inflation à un niveau historique soit le plus bas de puis 1964 et 
d'améliorer son climat des affaires. Ainsi, cela mérite d'être apprécié.  
5.87.   La balance commerciale de la Jamaïque s'est sensiblement améliorée depuis son dernier 
examen de politique commerciale. Toutefois, elle reste négative en dépit d'une augme ntation de 
94,8% des réexportations. Comme toutes les économies de la CARICOM, les services comptent 
pour 73% de la structure du PIB de la Jamaïque. Le tourisme constitue la composante principale 
du secteur. Il convient de remarquer que la Jamaïque a adopt é une série d'initiatives visant à 
accroître la participation locale dans ledit secteur. Une telle approche est à encourager.  
5.88.   Le "de -risking" constitue un défi majeur pour l'économie jamaïcaine et celle des autres 
membres de la CARICOM. Il limite l'accès a ux systèmes internationaux de paiement et financiers 
par la perte de correspondants bancaires dans certains pays développés.  
5.89.   La Jamaïque, aux côtés des autres membres de la CARICOM, a joué un rôle important au 
sein du Comité des services financiers pour s ensibiliser les Membres de l'OMC sur cette question.  
5.90.   Enfin, ma délégation saisit l'occasion pour souhaiter à la Jamaïque plein succès dans cet 
exercice et bon retour à la délégation présidée par l'Honorable Sénatrice Kamina Johnson Smith, 
Ministre des Affa ires étrangères et du commerce extérieur.  
EUROPEAN  UNION   
5.91.   On behalf of the European Union let me first thank Jamaica for the comprehensive overview 
presented last Wednesday and this morning of the main developments occurred during the review 
period.  
5.92.   The EU  is pleased to note that this review has been very useful for better understanding the 
trade policy of Jamaica and hopes that Jamaica will duly take into account some of the challenges 
highlighted by Members.  
5.93.   The EU expresses its appreciation for the repli es Jamaica has provided so far and would also 
be grateful to receive some of the pending replies.  WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  5.94.   In conclusion, we would like to thank Jamaica for its constructive participation in this 
exercise.  
UNITED  STATES  
5.95.   We also want to join others in thanking Minis ter Johnson Smith and the entire delegation for 
the hard work they have invested in preparing and executing the review. We are well aware of 
how much effort is required behind the scenes and we certainly acknowledge and commend the 
work they have done and their commitment to the TPR process.  
5.96.   We also want to thank and appreciate the contributions over the review from Ambassador 
Kristjánsson, his comments this morning certainly highlighted some of the factors that contribute 
to Jamaica's high ranking in lifes tyle index, something that we are indeed envious of and we thank 
you for pointing out a few areas where perhaps we could explore a little deeper.  
5.97.   Today, we just wanted to reiterate the importance that we place on both our bilateral trade 
relations and our partnership in collaboration with Jamaica here at the WTO. This TPR has 
highlighted an ambitious and focused trade policy agenda and we want to reiterate our willingness 
to work with Jamaica to increase prosperity in the Caribbean and in the hemisphere.  
5.98.   We appreciate the written responses to our questions and the additional responses included 
in today's statement by Minister Johnson Smith, particularly those related to SPS measures and 
intellectual property rights. Unfortunately, responses to several writte n question remain 
outstanding, including those related to our SPS concerns. We have submitted additional follow -up 
questions this morning and we look forward to receiving your responses for those.  
5.99.   In conclusion, we thank you for your excellent efforts and  we congratulate you on a 
successful TPR.  
THE SEPARATE  CUSTOMS  TERRITORY  OF TAIWAN,  PENGHU,  KINMEN  AND  MATSU  
5.100.   I would like to join others in congratulating Minister Johnson Smith and her distinguished 
delegation from Kingston. I also wish to thank the disc ussant, H.E. Ambassador Kristjánsson, for 
his insightful remarks.  
5.101.   We note that this review has been very useful for better understanding the trade policy of 
Jamaica and we commend Jamaica for the initiatives taken to restructure its trade regime towards 
effective integration into the global economy.  
5.102.   In terms of bilateral trade, we have enjoyed a steady growth in the trading relationship 
with Jamaica. Since Jamaica's last TPR in 2011, the value of bilateral trade per year has grown 
from US$30 million to US $60 million. We wish to continue working together with Jamaica to 
deepen our bilateral ties.  
5.103.   Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank H.E. Ambassador McCookfor his 
contribution to the multilateral trading system as the chairperson of the Neg otiating Group on 
Rules. We congratulate the Jamaican delegation on a successful TPR and look forward to 
continuing the cooperation with a valued partner and to Jamaica's continued active engagement in 
the WTO. We wish safe travel to those going back to Ki ngston.  
H.E.  MRS.  KAMINA  JOHNSON  SMITH  (HEAD  OF DELEGATION)  
5.104.   I would only reiterate the sincere thanks of myself and my clearly very able delegation for 
the participation of all Members present and all who submitted questions, and to assure you that 
we will  provide the responses to your outstanding questions in the shortest time possible within 
the allocated period. Thank you very much for your interest and for the attention that has been 
paid to the developments that we have been making in Jamaica, much app reciated. Thank you.  WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS B Y THE CHAIRPERSON  
6.1.  This fourth Trade Policy Review has offered a very useful opportunity for Members to deepen 
their understanding of the trade policies and practices of Jamaica, and to collectively appreciate 
the challenges it faces in sustaining and improving its economic prosperity. I would like to thank 
the Jamaican delegation, led by Her Excellency Mrs. Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign 
Affairs and Foreign Trade, the discussant Ambassador Högni S. Kristj ánsson of Iceland, and to the 
31 delegations that took the floor for their valuable contributions.  
6.2.  In their interventions, Members commended Jamaica for having made major strides in 
restoring macroeconomic stability since its previous Review in 2011, and f or maintaining a 
programme of fiscal prudence, debt reduction and tax policy reforms that is showing positive 
results. Indeed, Jamaica registered its lowest current account deficit in 15 years and its lowest 
inflation rate since 1964. Moreover, Jamaica was  praised for the measures it is taking to attract 
larger FDI inflows and to improve the business climate. Nonetheless, it was noted that the average 
real GDP growth rate below 1% observed during the review period was insufficient to reduce 
poverty levels, which stand at one -fifth of the population. In this regard, Members took note that 
Jamaica has set an ambitious target of achieving a 5% GDP annual growth rate in the next four 
years. Members also highlighted that Jamaica aims to achieve developed country status by 2030. 
Jamaica sees trade as an important factor for improving competitiveness and it aims to ensure 
that the wider society benefits from trade through increased revenues and employment. In this 
respect, Jamaica was encouraged to further diversify  its trade both in terms of goods and services 
as well as geographically.  
6.3.  Members congratulated Jamaica for its active participation in the WTO, for having ratified the 
Fifth Protocol to the GATS in 2012 as well as the Trade Facilitation Agreement in 2016  and for 
having submitted its commitments under this agreement. On the other hand, they encouraged the 
country to accept the Protocol amending the TRIPS Agreement and to fully meet its notification 
commitments in the various areas where they remain outstan ding, including on customs valuation 
and GATS. Members also noted that Jamaica has benefited from technical assistance and capacity 
building activities and that as a proponent of the Work Programmes on Small Economies, it 
promotes the needs and priorities of such economies to be fully addressed in all areas of the WTO. 
Members recognized Jamaica's leadership role in the WTO as well as at the regional level through 
CARICOM.  
6.4.  Tariffs and other duties and charges on imports remain Jamaica's main trade policy 
instrument and the largest source of government revenues. In this regard, some concerns were 
expressed on Jamaica's numerous duties and charges on imports, including additional stamp 
duties on certain agricultural products, as well as on the fact that MFN ap plied rates exceed their 
bound levels for 32 tariff lines. Members also noted that Jamaica's simple average applied MFN 
tariff rose from 9.4% in 2010 to 10.4% in 2017 mainly due to increases on some items of 
CARICOM's CET. I have taken note of the replies and comments made by the Minister regarding 
these issues, including the review that is taking place at the CARICOM level that will be completed 
by December 2017.  
6.5.  Several delegations enquired about Jamaica's new Customs Act that is to be adopted to 
facilita te trade. Members congratulated Jamaica for having issued or amended a large amount of 
legislation since 2011, including the Insolvency Act, the Fiscal Incentives Act, the Banking Services 
Act, and the Electricity Act. Jamaica was particularly praised for having adopted a new Special 
Economic Zones Act that meets its obligations under the WTO's Agreement on Subsidies and 
Countervailing Measures, as well as for its Omnibus Incentives Legislation 2014 which repealed the 
four incentive schemes that had been no tified to the WTO as containing export subsidies.  
6.6.  Questions were raised about the status of the implementing regulations for the Public 
Procurement Act, following the adoption of Jamaica's first stand -alone Public Procurement Act. 
Some delegations expresse d concern that the new Act will keep a domestic preference of up to 
10% and a reservation of 15% of procurements for domestic SMEs. Some Members encouraged 
Jamaica to become observer in the Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) with a view to 
future GP A accession. Other issues of interest to Members referred to the creation of the single 
market within CARICOM, SPS certification procedures, and IPR protection and amendments to the 
Copyright Act.  WT/TPR/W/136  • Jamaica  
 
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  6.7.  Members noted that agriculture in Jamaica faces many chall enges such as inadequate 
infrastructure and natural disasters. Members were concerned by border protection measures on 
agricultural products: in addition to tariff protection, additional stamp duties are collected while 
non-automatic import licensing is ap plied on some products. Members urged Jamaica to expand 
market access opportunities for agricultural products.  
6.8.  Members encouraged Jamaica to focus on policies that enable investment in growth areas 
such as the services sector, which accounts for around 70%  of its GDP. Members commended 
Jamaica for the changes introduced on banking services and noted that the financial services 
sector has become more resilient to shocks. Some Members applauded the measures Jamaica has 
taken to limit the impact of the withdra wal of correspondent banking services on its financial 
services sector, but noted that challenges remain with respect to the effects of this development. 
Members highlighted that the overall Internet penetration rate had jumped from 4.4% in 2011 to 
65% in 2016. They also pointed out that reforms in the transport sector aiming at improving 
connectivity and boosting tourism are a step in the right direction. Noting the important 
contribution of tourism to GDP and to foreign exchange earnings, some Members enc ouraged 
Jamaica to continue to explore tourism opportunities, which could help to address unemployment 
in particular among the youth.  
6.9.  Jamaica has already responded to almost all 140 advance written questions. This review will 
be successfully concluded in a  month's time, when Jamaica replies to all outstanding questions.  
6.10.   I am certain that Jamaica will feel encouraged by the importance that Members have 
attached to this exercise which is very timely given Jamaica's current drive for ambitious 
transformation and modernization. I would encourage Jamaica to continue its efforts to boost 
trade and investment and to take into account the constructive comments that it has received 
during this TPR process. This will surely help Jamaica to enhance its competitiveness  in the global 
economy and deepen its participation in the multilateral trading system.  
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