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Jamaica’s foreign policy is rooted in the raison d’être of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, i.e. to “maximize international influence to foster national development”. As such, the Ministry seeks to engage with the international community in various fora in order to confront the economic, social and political challenges at home and contribute to Jamaica’s national development goals, guided by the objectives outlined in its Vision 2030 Jamaica National Development Plan.
Multilateralism
Jamaica is committed to the principles of the United Nations Charter. This governs the conduct of our international relations and serves as the basis for our approach and presence on the international stage. As a Small Island Developing State, Jamaica is convinced that multilateralism offers us the only viable source of protection, and therefore continues to advocate for a multilateral system which is equitable, democratic, effective and principled. Jamaica’s membership in international organisations such as the United Nations and The Commonwealth has assisted in raising the profile of the country. Our alliance with groups of developing countries has served as important avenues for advancing the interests of small developing states.
Jamaica is well aware that as a small state, we cannot ‘go it alone’ in seeking to redress global concerns that impact us locally. Key issues of interest to us requiring a collaborative global effort, include the maintenance of international peace and security, illicit trafficking in drugs and arms and transnational organised crimes, the promotion of multilateralism, the reform of the United Nations, prevention and control of HIV/AIDS, sustainable development and international economic cooperation, international trade and development, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the implementation of the Barbados Programme of Action (BPOA).
Regional and Hemispheric Relations
Jamaica is mindful of its role and responsibilities within CARICOM and the wider hemispheric region of the Americas and is committed to supporting its goals. The continuing impact of globalisation, the rapidly changing international political and economic environment, impels us to develop closer links with the countries of the Caribbean Basin and within the wider hemisphere, in the quest for regional and hemispheric integration.
Jamaica continues to play an important role in Caribbean integration through its relations with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Jamaica has sought to give new impetus to relations with the wider Caribbean including through participation in the work of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) in critical areas such as trade, transport, tourism and natural disasters.
We continue to participate actively in the work of the Organisation of American States (OAS) and its subsidiary bodies in promoting peace and security, democracy, human rights and cooperation for economic and social development in the countries of the Americas. The development programmes of the OAS continue to be of integral importance to Jamaica and to the Caribbean region with benefits accruing from projects and programmes in the areas of science and technology, education, tourism, sustainable development and culture.
At the bilateral level, we maintain strong links with our traditional North American partners. Our dynamic cooperation programmes have continued to make a positive impact in critical areas of national development including health, education, business development, security, public sector modernisation and capacity development. Jamaica also continues to enjoy excellent relations with the countries of Central and South America, and remains committed to the further deepening and strengthening of political and economic ties with these countries, including the development of initiatives within the framework of established joint consultative and cooperative mechanisms.
Jamaica is pursuing closer engagement with the BRICS countries and will also continue to develop closer ties of friendship, cooperation, trade and investment with countries in Africa and Asia-Pacific. We will also promote technical and economic cooperation with the European Union and individual countries in Europe.
Foreign Trade
Trade remains critical to the country’s economic development and a key component of Jamaica’s foreign policy. Therefore, Jamaica is committed to advancing a Foreign Trade Policy that enhances its trade performance and contribute significantly to the attainment of the country’s vision for growth, productivity and development. In this context, adopting policy measures and negotiating strategies to secure Trade Agreements and other initiatives that will support trade facilitation and market access that bring direct benefits to Jamaica’s producers and exporters is critical. Jamaica also continues to play a key role in ensuring that it contributes to the strengthening of the multilateral trading system and the advancement of a development oriented International Trade Agenda.
Against the backdrop of dramatic changes in the international trade and economic environment over the last decade, and the need to ensure that Jamaica derives maximum benefits from Trade Agreements to which it is a Party, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade has almost completed the process of revising Jamaica’s Foreign Trade Policy which is intended to drive our productive and export base and contribute to increased economic growth.
The Jamaican Diaspora
Jamaica is committed to strengthen linkages with the Jamaican Diaspora and encourage their participation in the process of national development. Our role as protectors and promoters of Jamaica’s interests internationally include, naturally, the interests of our nationals overseas in the communities in the Diaspora, represented in almost every metropolitan centre of the world. Since 1993, the Jamaican Government has sought a more structured approach towards enhancing the relationship with the Diaspora. We expect to deepen the symbiotic relationship which has always existed, and to establish a framework which should see a heightened and more beneficial relationship through partnerships at the private sector level, between individuals and organisations and within the government sector, thereby tapping into the potential that exists.
Foreign Policy Priorities
The current Foreign Policy Priorities include:
A. Advancement of Jamaica’s Political, Trade, and Economic Interests
- Enhancing the framework for Free Movement of Jamaican nationals within CARICOM;
- Enhancing the full and effective functioning of the CARICOM Single Market and implementing EPA;
- Advancing Jamaica’s trade and investment interests at the bilateral, regional and multilateral levels;
- Promoting private sector trade missions in the Caribbean and Latin America, through the vehicle of Jamaica’s Embassies and High Commissions and official visits;
- Focusing on governance and the institutional structure of CARIFORUM;
- Promoting technical and economic cooperation with developing countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean and with traditional partners such as Canada, USA, UK, EU and Japan;
- Promoting integration and development as well as technical and economic cooperation through regional, hemispheric and international organisations, including the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC);
- Focusing on key social, political, economic and security issues, including:
- Human Rights;
- Candidatures;
- Issues relating to Middle-Income Countries, including aid graduation and global economic governance;
- Delimitation;
- Small Arms and Light Weapons and non-proliferation issues;
- International Migration and Development;
- Sustainable Development – follow-up to Rio + 20 and SIDS issues.
B. Diaspora and Consular Affairs
- Completing the Diaspora Policy, including establishment of a Governance Framework for the Diaspora;
- Participating in the development of a Diaspora Bond;
- Enhancing Consular services for Jamaican nationals in the Caribbean region;
- Enhancing opportunities for the engagement of Jamaican workers overseas.
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