Minister of Foreign Trade, Anthony Hylton (left), speaking to journalists at a press conference yesterday. Beside him is Permanent Secretary Ambassador Stafford Neil. -Norman Grindley IN ADDITION to strong trade prospects in commodities like fruit juices and coffee, Jamaica is set to start saving money from increasing economic ties with Turkey.
Speaking at a press-conference at his New Kingston Ministry yesterday, Foreign Trade Minister, Anthony Hylton, told reporters that a key discovery from an October 6-14 trade mission to Turkey was that Jamaica was currently importing several commodities from other countries that were originally manufactured or grown in Turkey.
The possibility of soon "cutting out the middle men and buying direct," Mr. Hylton said, would eventually save the island valuable foreign exchange. Among the commodities are galvanised steel, household appliances, and food items like raisins.
The Minister was reporting on his recent nine-day exploratory trade mission to Turkey, where he was accompanied by officials of Jampro, the Agri-Business Council, as well as private sector executives.
Minister Hylton said he was "very enthusiastic" about the prospects in Turkey. He said there are opportunities in Tourism, as the Turkish people were, very aware of, and interested in Jamaican culture. He added that he had already held discussions with the President of the Turkish airline about co-operation with Air Jamaica to improve travel connections between both countries.
The Minister also listed opportunities in the textile industry, interests in a joint venture to develop shipping services, and the possibility for some local manufacturers to source cheaper raw materials.
It was also revealed that discussions were taking place with Turkish interests who wish to start importing Jamaican mango juice and puree.
The trip was a follow-up to Turkey's trade mission to Jamaica last year, and was co-ordinated with the help of Arnold Foote, Turkish Honorary Consul in Jamaica, and Honorary Consul of Jamaica in Turkey, Mr. Aykut Eken. According to Mr. Hylton, Consul Eken has made available to Jamaican trade officials a fully furnished office suite and showroom in Istanbul free of charge.
