FROM a few Peugeots, some wines and perfumes in 1978, to today's trade of landmark proportions, Ian K (Agencies) Limited has played a pioneering role in the development of trade between Jamaica and France.
"When we first started with this unique form of trade, whereby we identified the products that were urgently needed by the government and provided them with financing to satisfy the needs, there was very little business between Jamaica and France, except for a few motor vehicles (Peugeot), some wines and perfumes," said director, in an interview.
SPREADING INFLUENCE
Over the years, Ian K's influence has widened and strengthened the trade between Jamaica and France. "We have done trucks and buses, boats, trains, planes, water meters, pipes, radar equipment and many other major products, which has deepened the relationship. We now see Highway 2000 and the broadening of the French relationship with the emergence of several other projects," he says.
Trade figures from the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) has shown that from January December 2001, Jamaica imported US$22.08 million worth of products from France, but exported US$37.53 million, resulting in a trade surplus in favour of Jamaica, amounting to US$15.45 million. The trade surplus between January and September this year has seen an improvement, reaching US$16.5 million from imports of US$15.5 million and exports of US$32 million.
Chairman of the company, Ian Levy, recalls the very first contract, which was with Schlumberger of France in 1978, to provide water meters for Jamaica. Ever since that initial batch of 100,000 water meters for Jamaica, the company has remained the largest supplier of water meters to the island.
Ian K (Agencies) obtains loans for the government from BNP Paribas of France, the latest of which financed 20 trucks for the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA). This latest order brings the total number of Renault trucks purchased for the government, to over 100 garbage units, 50 fire trucks, 80 heavy-duty trucks, and 80 sprinklers. Ian K's first purchase was 133 trucks in 1978 from Renault of France and financed by BNP Paribas.
A MAJOR ROLE
Commenting on the role played by Ian K (Agencies) in the development of trade between Jamaica and France, the French Trade Commission stated that since its first contract with a French company in 1978, Ian K has continued to play a major role in promoting and maintaining trade between the two countries.
"Quite a number of the products supplied by France have been for the benefit of Jamaica and, in some instances, have been obtained through special financial arrangements between both governments," the statement said, pointing out that over the years, millions of US dollars worth of goods, equipment and expertise have been supplied by French companies to Jamaica's public sector, "through the efforts and wise judgement of their local representative, Ian K (Agencies)".
