THE PAJ AND JCA: Partnering for growth, ease of doing business
THE GOVERNMENT of Jamaica has embarked on a multipronged trade facilitation initiative, seeking to improve the country’s trade and logistics processes. In that regard, the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) and the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) were mandated to implement a Jamaican Port Community System (PCS); this will complement the JCA’s Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) World.
The PCS will simplify, digitise, standardise and streamline numerous logistics and shipping processes affecting various parties doing business locally. Its success is critical to the enhancement of Jamaican trade, a key economic metric, and is expected to reverse the generally negative perception of the country’s trade capabilities.
The PAJ recognises and appreciates the JCA’s widescale executive and operational participation which is critical to the PCS project’s success. With their fervent support, along with that of the Shipping Association of Jamaica and many stakeholders across the port community, the ongoing collaboration will ensure the PCS provides significant collective value as a major contributor to national growth.
This collaborative approach to the business of improving border management, trade and logistics represents a significant shift in ensuring that the private sector plays a lead role in ultimately developing the business processes that will impact them.
To this end, the Port Authority values the significant efforts being made by the Jamaica Customs Agency in improving the business atmosphere and we, therefore, look forward to a continued and successful partnership.
PROFESSOR GORDON SHIRLEY President Port Authority of Jamaica