Investment and Commerce Minister Aubyn Hill laid out Jamaica’s macroeconomic case for investment in New York, highlighting historic levels of stability, growth and confidence.

Hill delivered the keynote address at the Investing in Jamaica and Housing Forum hosted at Resorts World in the ‘Big Apple’ last Thursday (May 8). 

The high-level event, staged by Jamaica’s Consulate General in New York in partnership with the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE), brought together members of the Jamaican Diaspora, investment leaders, and institutional partners for a focused discussion on unlocking investment opportunities in Jamaica.

“Jamaica has a record-low unemployment at 3.5 per cent, a stable Jamaican dollar, inflation under control within the Bank of Jamaica’s four-six per cent target range and Net International Reserves at an all-time high of US$5.785 billion. Our Andrew Holness administration’s disciplined fiscal management and leadership are the bedrock of this success,” said Minister Hill.

He also stated that Jamaica’s economic transformation is being led by a strategic focus on exports and private sector-driven growth, with Special Economic Zones (SEZs) playing a key role in that shift. These zones offer investors substantial tax benefits, cutting the corporate income tax rate to 12.5 per cent, with opportunities for further reduction to 7.5 per cent.

Minister Hill emphasised that SEZs are positioning Jamaica as a regional centre in logistics, manufacturing, and high-value service exports.

Hill’s address anchored the forum’s evening session, which explored themes including emerging markets, real estate investment, diaspora wealth creation, and doing business in Jamaica.

Attendees engaged in an active and transparent question-and-answer session with the minister, where he addressed diaspora concerns and emphasised the Holness-led government’s commitment to maintaining a stable, sustainable, investor-friendly climate.

Throughout the day, representatives from Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) and Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority (JSEZA), Victoria Mutual and Jamaica National groups, Tax Administration of Jamaica (TAJ), and major real estate and financial firms provided detailed briefings and one-on-one engagement with participants, showcasing pathways to invest in housing, capital markets, and SEZ-linked industries.

The New York forum followed an engagement in Philadelphia this Tuesday, as part of the consulate’s broader strategy to deepen diaspora investment ties and capitalise on Jamaica’s strong economic and financial fundamentals.