http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business/Logistics-hub-dream-step-closer-to-reality_19236123Friday, October 30, 2015
JAMAICA’S long-anticipated logistics hub dream seems to be one step closer to becoming a reality.

Designated Free Zone administrator and operator Masada Jamaica Limited has entered a concessionary agreement with lubricant blender Gulfray America’s Manufacturing Limited for the development and management of the Spanish Town Free Zone to the tune of US$350 million.

The planned redevelopment and expansion of the eight-acre property to more than 42 acres is being done to accommodate new expressions of interest — one of which is for an assembly and distribution plant for the construction of motor vehicles, trucks, forklifts and buses by China National Automotive Industry International Corporation (CNAICO), a large state-owned group and a Fortune Global 500 enterprise.

Executive director of Masada Jamaica Limited, Robert Melamede at a press launch on Wednesday, told the audience that the first phase of the construction will be completed in June next year, after which nine international companies will occupy the zone.

What’s more, the planned expansion is expected to contribute 2,500 high-level jobs to the local economy in the areas of chemical and mechanical engineering, manufacturing, petro-chemicals, logistics and research.

“Additionally, jobs in the service industry will be generated by business processing outsourcing clients within the zone, as will jobs outsourced to small- and medium-sized enterprises,” Melamede stated. The project is expected to create 10,000 new jobs over the next two years.

CNAICO specialises in areas such as international trade, where it actively engages in global economic and technological cooperation. The company deals mainly with the import and export of vehicles, auto parts, agricultural and construction machinery, and other mechanical and electrical products with market presence in countries and regions all over Asia, Europe, Latin America and Africa.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business/Logistics-hub-dream-step-closer-to-reality_19236123