By Elishya Perera
KINGSTON, Jamaica (CWBN)_ Jamaica and the United States of America held their first Strategic Dialogue on December 03, which focused on developing the two countries’ strong bilateral ties.
According to a joint statement issued by the two parties yesterday (Dec 9), security, prosperity, health and disaster resilience were among the matters discussed, during the dialogue which was held virtually.
During the Forum, the United States and Jamaica had agreed to continue to robustly combat trafficking of persons, illegal weapons, narcotics, and illicit financial networks, considering the two countries’ mutual interest regarding regional defence and security.
The statement also noted that Jamaica’s regional leadership on renewable energy and liquefied natural gas, paired with the United States’ innovative energy solutions presented unique opportunities for the two countries to cooperate in the energy sector. Accordingly, the parties agreed to cooperate on sustainable, clean and efficient energy technologies, such as solar, wind and hydro.
Jamaica and the United States will also seek opportunities to collaborate on initiatives which are aimed at promoting public health, with the intention of strengthening their response to the global pandemic, and other health threats.
One of the key outcomes of the Dialogue was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and the Ministry of Finance and Public Service for Jamaica, in which Jamaica became the 12th country to join USTDA’s Global Procurement Initiative (GPI).
the Initiative educates public officials in emerging markets on how to establish procurement practices and policies which opens markets to greater international competition.
