VZCZCXRO5913
PP RUEHGR
DE RUEHKG #0537/01 1941442
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 131442Z JUL 09
FM AMEMBASSY KINGSTON
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 7845
RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHDC PRIORITY
INFO RUCNCOM/EC CARICOM COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 07 KINGSTON 000537 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR WHA-CAR 
(BPREMONT)(RALVARADO)(VDEPIRRO)(WSMITH) 
WHA-EPSC (MROONEY) (FCORNEILLE) 
EEB-ESC-IFD-EPC (McMANUS) 
SANTO DOMINGO FOR FCS AND FAS 
TREASURY FOR ERIN NEPHEW 
US INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION FOR LYN SCHLITT 
 
E.O. 12958:  NA 
TAGS: ECON OTRA TRYS ENRG EFIN EINV ETRD IBRD
IMF, XL, JM 
SUBJECT: JAMAICA RESPONSE: U.S. BIENNAL CARIBBEAN BASIN 
INVESTMENT SURVEY 
 
REF: A. STATE 60543 
¶B. KINGSTON 405 
¶C. 08 KINGSTON 366 
¶D. 08 KINGSTON 755 
 
The Raw Numbers 
--------------- 
 
¶1. (SBU) Despite enjoying some of the most generous 
preferential trading arrangements and being located 
next to the largest market in the world, Jamaica's 
export history continues to be less than impressive. 
During the last decade, exports grew on average by 11.7 
percent per annum, from a low base of USD 1.2 billion 
in 1999 to USD 2.7 billion in 2008.  During the same 
period, imports grew from USD 3 billion to USD 8.5 
billion.  With the value of imports outstripping 
exports almost three to one, there has been a 
concurrent deterioration in the country's balance of 
trade, which stood at USD 5.8 billion at the end of 
¶2008.  Jamaica runs huge trade deficits with its two 
largest trading partners, the USA and the Caribbean 
Community (CARICOM) of which Trinidad and Tobago is the 
largest beneficiary. 
 
Nature of U.S.-Jamaica Trade 
---------------------------- 
 
¶2. (SBU) Bi-lateral trade between Jamaica and the USA 
has almost doubled to USD 3.5 billion, accounting for 
about 39 percent of Jamaica's trade between 2002 and 
¶2007. Jamaica's trade deficit would have been worse but 
for the recent foray into ethanol production by poultry 
producer Jamaica Broilers.  Jamaica's imports from the 
U.S. continue to be fuelled by: (1) refined petroleum 
products; (2) agricultural products; and, (3) machinery 
and transport equipment.  Officials from the Jamaica 
Trade and Invest (JTI) told emboffs that, in assessing 
trade flows between Jamaica and the USA, exports in the 
sectors covered by CBERA have generally declined. 
However, the JTI officials posit that declining 
agricultural exports have less to do with the 
preference and more to do with Jamaica's lack of 
productive capacity. 
 
¶3. (SBU) JTI officials said that, although successive 
hurricanes have contributed to dwindling production, 
there are also systemic problems within the 
agricultural and manufacturing sectors hindering 
trade.  They further contend that a major deficiency in 
capacity is the lack of diversity in the products being 
exported, with bauxite and alumina dominant.  In this 
regard, they conclude that it has become critical for 
them to educate current and potential exporters about 
the benefits to be derived from the CBERA preferences. 
 
Ethanol Fuels Hope 
------------------ 
 
¶4. (SBU) Ethanol has become the new engine of export 
growth, with exports of about USD 190 million in 2008 
and expected to increase, as Jamaica Broilers Ethanol 
has spent another USD 20 million to double its capacity 
to 120 million gallons of fuel grade ethanol. 
President and CEO of Jamaica Broilers, Christopher 
Levy, told emboffs that his company is now the largest 
CBERA-benefiting operation on the island.  He said his 
company has focused on being a highly reliable 
supplier, emphasizing quality and efficient operations. 
He stated that CBERA has been a beneficial program for 
the Jamaica Broilers Group for several reasons: (1) 
opportunity to earn foreign exchange; (2) the 
possibility of new business partners as well as new 
business ventures; and, (3) development of new 
technical skill sets, providing potential upward 
mobility for employees. 
 
¶5. (SBU) Begin Report: Answers are keyed to question 
format contained in reftel A.  Distribution of this 
report should be kept limited due to the private data 
provided by respondents from the business community. 
 
KINGSTON 00000537  002 OF 007 
 
 
 
¶A.  Data on CBERA-related investment activity during 
2008 by sector. 
 
Beverages and Tobacco 
------------------- 
a. Name of Company - Red Stripe 
b. Investment in 2008 - USD 4.5 million 
c. New or expansion investment - Expansion 
d. Number of employees - 700 
e. Types of products exported - Red Stripe beer, Dragon 
Stout and Malta 
f. Estimated value of exports to the U.S. - (USD 40 
million) 
g. Would project have been launched in the absence of 
 
CBERA-CBTPA preferences - No 
 
a. Name of Company - J. Wray and Nephew Ltd. 
b. Investment in 2008 - USD 1 million 
c. New or expansion investment - Expansion 
d. Number of employees - 544 
e. Types of products exported - Rum 
f. Estimated value of exports to the U.S. - USD 7.5 
million 
g. Would project have been launched in the absence of 
 
CBERA-CBTPA preferences - Yes 
 
Mining and Chemicals 
-------------------- 
a. Name of Company - PETROJAM Ethanol 
b. Investment in 2008 - Zero 
c. New or expansion investment - NA 
d. Number of employees - 12 
e. Types of products exported - Fuel Grade Ethanol 
f. Estimated value of exports to the U.S. - USD 52.4 
million 
g. Would project have been launched in the absence of 
 
CBERA-CBTPA preferences - No 
 
a. Name of Company - Jamaica Ethanol Processing Ltd 
b. Investment in 2008 - Zero 
c. New or expansion investment - NA 
d. Number of Employees - 31 
e. Types of products exported - Anhydrous Fuel Grade 
Ethanol 
f. Estimated value of exports to the U.S. - USD 37 
million 
g. Would project have been launched in the absence of 
 
CBERA-CBTPA preferences - No 
 
a. Name of Company - Jamaica Broiler Ethanol Ltd 
b. Investment in 2008 - USD 20 million 
c. New or expansion investment - Expansion 
d. Number of Employees - 35 
e. Types of products exported - Anhydrous Fuel Grade 
Ethanol 
f. Estimated value of exports to the U.S. - USD 109.8 
million 
g. Would project have been launched in the absence of 
 
CBERA-CBTPA preferences - No 
 
a. Name of Company - Lydford Mining Company 
b. Investment in 2008 - USD 0.8 million 
c. New or expansion investment - Expansion 
d. Number of Employees - 45 
e. Types of products exported - Whiting Grade Limestone 
f. Estimated value of exports to the U.S. - USD 1.3 
million 
g. Would project have been launched in the absence of 
 
CBERA-CBTPA preferences - No 
 
a. Name of Company - Jamaica Gypsum and Quarries Ltd. 
b. Investment in 2008 - Zero 
c. New or expansion investment - NA 
d. Number of Employees - 31 
 
KINGSTON 00000537  003 OF 007 
 
 
e. Types of products exported - Gypsum 
f. Estimated value of exports to the U.S. - USD 0.2 
million 
g. Would project have been launched in the absence of 
 
CBERA-CBTPA preferences - No 
 
a. Name of Company - Sure Products Manufacturing 
Company Ltd 
b. Investment in 2008 - USD 0.53 million 
c. New or expansion investment - New and Expansion 
d. Number of Employees - 46 
e. Types of products exported - Veneer Plaster and 
construction material 
f. Estimated value of exports to the U.S. - USD 0.12 
g. Would project have been launched in the absence of 
 
CBERA-CBTPA preferences - No 
 
Fresh Produce 
------------- 
a. Name of Company - Ministry of Agriculture Export 
Division 
b. Investment in 2008 - USD 0.2 million 
c. New or expansion investment - Expansion 
d. Number of employees - 34 
e. Types of products exported - Pimento 
f. Estimated value of exports to the U.S. - USD 0.4 
million 
g. Would project have been launched in the absence of 
 
CBERA-CBTPA preferences - Yes 
 
a. Name of Company - Advanced Farm Technologies Jamaica 
Ltd. 
b. Investment in 2008 - Zero 
c. New or expansion investment - NA 
d. Number of employees - 280 
e. Types of products exported - Papaya 
f. Estimated value of exports to the U.S. - USD 2 
million 
g. Would project have been launched in the absence of 
 
CBERA-CBTPA preferences - No 
 
a. Name of Company - Jamaica Export Trading Company 
b. Investment in 2008 - Zero 
c. New or expansion investment - NA 
d. Number of employees - 8 
e. Types of products exported - Pimento berries and 
Canned Ackees 
f. Estimated value of exports to the U.S. - USD 0.4 
million 
g. Would project have been launched in the absence of 
 
CBERA-CBTPA preferences - No 
 
Other Manufactured Products 
--------------------------- 
a. Name of Company - Wisynco Group Ltd. 
b. Investment in 2008 - USD 5 million 
c. New or expansion investment - Expansion 
d. Number of employees - 180 
e. Types of products exported - Beverages 
f. Estimated value of exports to the U.S. - USD 0.06 
million 
g. Would project have been launched in the absence of 
 
CBERA-CBTPA preferences - Yes 
 
a. Name of Company - Jalex Manufacturing Ltd 
b. Investment in 2008 - USD 0.23 million 
c. New or expansion investment - Expansion 
d. Number of employees - 42 
e. Types of products exported - Aluminum extrusion and 
scrap 
f. Estimated value of exports to the U.S. - USD 0.15 
million 
g. Would project have been launched in the absence of 
 
CBERA-CBTPA preferences - No 
 
KINGSTON 00000537  004 OF 007 
 
 
 
Pharmaceuticals-Cosmetics and Personal Care Products 
--------------------------------- 
a. Name of Company - Starfish Oils Ltd 
b. Investment in 2008 - USD 0.25 million 
c. New or expansion investment - Expansion 
d. Number of employees - 30 
e. Types of products exported - Scented candles, 
aromatherapy oils and soaps, bath salts and incense 
f. Estimated value of exports to the U.S. - USD 0.05 
million 
g. Would project have been launched in the absence of 
 
CBERA-CBTPA preferences - No 
 
a. Name of Company - P.A. Benjamin Manufacturing 
Company 
b. Investment in 2008 - USD 0.05 million 
c. New or expansion investment - Expansion 
d. Number of employees - 44 
e. Types of products exported - Pharmaceuticals (health 
care), food flavorings and savouries 
f. Estimated value of exports to the U.S - USD 0.03 
million 
g. Would project have been launched in the absence of 
CBERA-CBTPA preferences - No 
 
Processed Foods 
--------------- 
a. Name of Company - Grace Foods International Ltd. 
b. Investment in 2008 - Zero 
c. New or expansion investment - NA 
d. Number of employees - 52 
e. Types of products exported - Juices, drinks, coconut 
water, syrups, teas, jams, jellies, condiments, sauces, 
seasonings, soups, pasta, dried, and frozen meals, 
puddings, cakes, porridges, chips, coconut milk, 
ackees, evaporated milk, canned vegetables and meats 
f. Estimated value of exports to the U.S. - USD 23.4 
million 
g. Would project have been launched in the absence of 
 
CBERA-CBTPA preferences - Yes 
 
a. Name of Company - Gray's Pepper Products Ltd 
b. Investment in 2008 - USD 50,000 
c. New or expansion investment - Expansion 
d. Number of employees - 29 
e. Types of products exported - Hot Pepper Sauces 
f. Estimated value of exports to the U.S. - USD 0.7 
million 
g. Would project have been launched in the absence of 
 
CBERA-CBTPA preferences - No 
 
a. Name of Company - Trade Winds Citrus Ltd 
b. Investment in 2008 - Zero 
c. New or expansion investment - NA 
d. Number of employees - 700 
e. Types of products exported - Fresh fruits, juices, 
purees and concentrates 
f. Estimated value of exports to the U.S. - USD 0.05 
million 
g. Would project have been launched in the absence of 
 
CBERA-CBTPA preferences - Yes 
 
a. Name of Company - Jamaica Cane Products Sales Ltd. 
b. Investment in 2008 - Zero 
c. New or expansion investment - NA 
d. Number of employees - 13 
e. Types of products exported - Bulk raw sugar 
f. Estimated value of exports to the U.S. - USD 2.6 
million 
g. Would project have been launched in the absence of 
 
CBERA-CBTPA preferences - Yes 
 
a. Name of Company - Betapac 
b. Investment in 2008 - Zero 
c. New or expansion investment - NA 
 
KINGSTON 00000537  005 OF 007 
 
 
d. Number of employees - 23 
e. Types of products exported - Curry powder 
f. Estimated value of exports to the U.S. - Indirect 
exports 
g. Would project have been launched in the absence of 
 
CBERA-CBTPA preferences - Yes 
 
a. Name of Company - Mavis Bank Coffee Factory Ltd. 
b. Investment in 2008 - Zero 
c. New or expansion investment - NA 
d. Number of employees - 300 
e. Types of products exported - Roasted and green 
coffee 
f. Estimated value of exports to the U.S. - USD 2 
million 
g. Would project have been launched in the absence of 
 
CBERA-CBTPA preferences - Yes 
 
a. Name of Company - Shim's Successors Company Ltd. 
b. Investment in 2008 - Zero 
c. New or expansion investment - NA 
d. Number of employees - 38 
e. Types of products exported - Fruit syrup 
f. Estimated value of exports to the U.S. - USD 0.04 
million 
g. Would project have been launched in the absence of 
 
CBERA-CBTPA preferences - No 
 
a. Name of Company - Agriventures Jamaica Ltd. 
b. Investment in 2008 - Zero 
c. New or expansion investment - NA 
d. Number of employees - 30 
e. Types of products exported - Fresh Produce and 
Processed Foods 
f. Estimated value of exports to the U.S. - USD 1.5 
million 
g. Would project have been launched in the absence of 
 
CBERA-CBTPA preferences - No 
 
a. Name of Company - Jamaica Biscuit Company Ltd. 
b. Investment in 2008 - Zero 
c. New or expansion investment - NA 
d. Number of employees - 500 
e. Types of products exported - Biscuits and crackers 
f. Estimated value of exports to the U.S. - USD 2 
million 
g. Would project have been launched in the absence of 
 
CBERA-CBTPA preferences - Yes 
 
a. Name of Company - Jamaica Standard Products Company 
Ltd. 
b. Investment in 2008 - Zero 
c. New or expansion investment - NA 
d. Number of employees - 150 
e. Types of products exported - Green and roasted 
coffee and sauces 
f. Estimated value of exports to the U.S. - USD 0.22 
million 
g. Would project have been launched in the absence of 
 
CBERA-CBTPA preferences - Yes 
 
a. Name of Company - Salada Foods Jamaica Ltd 
b. Investment in 2008 - Zero 
c. New or expansion investment - NA 
d. Number of employees - 60 
e. Types of products exported - Instant Coffee 
f. Estimated value of exports to the U.S. - USD 0.6 
million 
g. Would project have been launched in the absence of 
 
CBERA-CBTPA preferences - Yes 
 
a. Name of Company - Coffee Industries 
b. Investment in 2006 - USD 50,000 
c. New or expansion investment - Expansion 
 
KINGSTON 00000537  006 OF 007 
 
 
d. Located in free trade zone - No 
e. Types of products exported - Roasted coffee beans 
f. Estimated value of exports to the U.S. - USD 771,000 
g. Would project have been launched in the absence of 
 
CBERA-CBTPA preferences - Yes 
h. Approximate share of inputs from CBERA beneficiary 
origin - 50 percent 
 
a. Name of Company - Central Food Packers Ltd. 
b. Investment in 2008 - Zero 
c. New or expansion investment - NA 
d. number of employees - 200 
e. Types of products exported - Jerk seasoning and 
sauces, Jams and Jellies, Ackees, Callaloo and Bammies 
f. Estimated value of exports to the U.S. - USD 1.5 
million 
g. Would project have been launched in the absence of 
 
CBERA-CBTPA preferences - Yes 
 
a. Name of Company - Continental Baking Company Ltd 
b. Investment in 2008 - USD 0.2 million 
c. New or expansion investment - Both 
d. Number of employees - 642 
e. Types of products exported - buns, biscuits, 
crackers and bread 
f. Estimated value of exports to the U.S. - USD 1.7 
million 
g. Would project have been launched in the absence of 
 
CBERA-CBTPA preferences - Yes 
 
a. Name of Company - Seprod Ltd 
b. Investment in 2008 - Zero 
c. New or expansion investment - NA 
d. Number of employees - 850 
e. Types of products exported - Baked goods, UHT 
Beverages, Cornmeal based products, oils and fats 
f. Estimated value of exports to the U.S. - USD 1 
million 
g. Would project have been launched in the absence of 
 
CBERA-CBTPA preferences - Yes 
 
a. Name of Company - Go Global Jamaica Ltd. 
b. Investment in 2008 - USD 0.05 million 
c. New or expansion investment - NA 
d. Number of employees - 4 
e. Types of products exported - Food items, clothing 
and raw materials 
f. Estimated value of exports to the U.S. - USD 0.22 
million 
g. Would project have been launched in the absence of 
 
CBERA-CBTPA preferences - Yes 
 
Comments on Market Access 
------------------------- 
 
¶6. (SBU) Gillian McDaniel, Senior Consulting Officer at 
JTI told emboffs that at the general level, CBERA has 
had a positive impact on the Jamaican economy.  She 
said in recent times the trade facility has stimulated 
increased investment in the ethanol industry, with 
Jamaica Broilers Ethanol making a USD 45 million 
investment.  CBERA has also had a positive impact on 
small and medium enterprises (SMEs), albeit to a lesser 
extent.  The inability of SMEs to take full advantage 
of CBERA lies in their limited export capacity.  She 
explained that Jamaica therefore needs a campaign to 
educate exporters of the existence of market access to 
the U.S. 
 
¶7. (SBU) Regarding diversification of the export base, 
McDaniel posits that niche products such as sauces, 
rum, and coffee have continued to enjoy strong export 
growth and the challenge is to increase production in 
non-traditional sectors, given the strong demand in the 
U.S.  However, she was quick to point out that the aim 
must be to transform the so called niche products into 
 
KINGSTON 00000537  007 OF 007 
 
 
larger, more mainstream exports.  She said that more 
information is required to assess the full impact of 
non-traditional export growth on the Jamaican economy, 
and as such JTI is undertaking an Export Capacity 
survey to create a database of exporters, products, and 
markets. 
 
¶8. (SBU) Jean Smith, Executive Director of the Jamaica 
Exporters (JEA), told emboffs that they currently have 
230 registered members in 16 sub-sectors.  She said 30 
of these exporters are relatively large, and about 115 
have exported to the U.S. at some point.  With export 
growth less than impressive, the GOJ and the JEA are 
collaborating on a National Export Strategy (NES) to 
significantly expand export in the next 2 to 3 years. 
Technical support is being provided by the 
International Trade Council (ITC) out of Geneva.  In 
essence, the ITC is providing Jamaica with a template, 
which will be customized to fit the local context.  The 
aim is to concentrate on 9 sectors including agro- 
processing, mining and quarrying, fashion, apparel, and 
jewellery. 
 
¶9. (SBU) However, contrary to the position held by the 
JTI, Smith is of the view that Jamaica cannot compete 
on volume, and as such the country has to concentrate 
on niche markets and value addition through 
intellectual property and diversification.  The JEA is 
therefore working with the Jamaica Intellectual 
Property Office (JIPO) to establish geographical 
indicators (GI) for products like Blue Mountain coffee. 
The JEA is also embarking on a Brand Jamaica 
Initiative, which will include registered certification 
marks to gain indigenous status.  Smith also said there 
is a lack of market research and support for many of 
the fledging exporters, which she hopes will be 
revisited under the NES. (Note:  Access to capital 
remains a binding constraint for many businesses in 
Jamaica; interest rates on business loans range 18 to 
24 percent per year.  The high cost of capital hinders 
both start ups as well as business expansion.  End 
Note). 
 
Comments on Survey 
------------------ 
 
¶10. (SBU) In general Jamaican exporters remain 
relatively unresponsive to the CBI survey.  In fact, 
there was a further decrease in the number of 
respondents, with over 30 percent of the exporters 
contacted not responding.  This continued apathy 
appears to be largely due to a lack of awareness of 
preferential trading arrangement.  Some exporters 
continue to admit ignorance of the arrangement, 
suggesting the need for some form of education. 
However, some exporters understand the importance of 
the market access, including one exporter who responded 
to the survey within an hour of receipt, telling 
emboffs the trade arrangement in crucial to his 
economic survival.  Another exporter said the trade 
facility has assisted his company in accessing the U.S. 
market, thus assuring the competitiveness of his 
company's products.  End Comment. 
MOSS