I.  COMMERCIAL OVERVIEW (EXECUTIVE SUMMARY)

Jamaica is the largest English-speaking island in the Caribbean
(area - 4,411 sq. miles), with a small but diversified economy
and natural resources.  Although the island's small population
(2.4 million) and low per capita income of roughly USD 1,544
limits investment for the domestic market, it offers good
potential for export-oriented activities.

The US continues to be Jamaica's primary trading partner.  US
exports surpassed one billion dollars in 1993, accounting for
half of Jamaica's total imports.  US exporters should find good
opportunities in Jamaica's expanding tourism sector, the
bauxite/alumina industry, textile assembly operations,
agribusiness, and telecommunications.  The principal barriers
for exporting to Jamaica are occassional foreign exchange
shortages, poor internal transport infrastructure, and
declining real incomes for the majority of the population.

The Jamaican government welcomes foreign investment and offers
a variety of incentives for investments that facilitate foreign
exchange earnings and savings, offer employment opportunities
for Jamaican labor, or use local raw materials.  The government
hopes that a larger number of foreign investors will take
advantage of pro-investment policies and the liberalized
foreign exchange regime implemented in September 1991.  In
addition, other major attractions include low wage rates,
relatively well-developed infrastructure, proximity to the U.S.
market, and preferential market access to the U.S. (through
CBI), Canada (CARIBCAN), and the countries of CARICOM.
Disincentives include high local interest rates, high utility
costs, and periodic delays in foreign exchange conversion.