JAMPRO and PICA sign MOU to collaborate on improving investment facilitation

Photo: (Seated) Diane Edwards, President of JAMPRO (left) and Andrew Wynter, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PICA (right) sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signifying their Agencies’ commitment to collaboration with the aim of improving investment facilitation. (Standing) Shullette Cox, Vice President of Research, Advocacy and Project Implementation (left) and Nickeisha Walsh Deputy CEO for Corporate Services, PICA, look on.

The Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) and the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to cement the Agencies’ commitment to partnering on initiatives that will make investing in Jamaica an easier process for international investors. The MOU was signed on November 14, 2018

JAMPRO and PICA will collaborate on the development and execution of processes to facilitate investors and their investments, and will combine their efforts to lobby for policy changes that will positively impact investors.

The partners will focus on initiatives that will expedite investment projects, and facilitate the movement of serious investors. JAMPRO and PICA have also committed to sharing knowledge that will build capacity within each organization.

As JAMPRO guides investors through the necessary steps to making their projects possible; including immigration and related matters, the Agency found it critical to collaborate further with PICA to make recommendations to streamline immigration processes that affect investments. Both parties have prioritized working together with the aim of facilitating foreign direct investment, in an effort to stimulate economic growth and job creation.

Andrew Wynter, Chief Executive Officer of PICA, said the Agency was pleased to increase its cooperation with JAMPRO. He said “This is another example of two government agencies coming together to work for the common good of the country, so we welcome the participation and partnership with JAMPRO on this initiative.”

President of JAMPRO Diane Edwards said she had great expectations for the partnership as both bodies have had a long-standing relationship to address matters related to investment.

She said, “We are looking forward to this partnership with PICA as they have committed to working with us to improve immigration processes that affect investments. As we target more investment projects, JAMPRO hopes to look at different tiers of visas, including an investor visa, that will allow JAMPRO verified investors a more seamless immigration experience. We are fully supportive of this partnership, and I believe that this will be a fruitful relationship for both organisations.”