Jamaica’s prime minister and CARICOM hair, Dr. Andrew Holness, addresses the closing press conference of the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James on Tuesday (July 8). (Yhomo Hutchinson/JIS)

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has called for engagement with the United States to restore preferential trade access for countries in the CARICOM region.

He made the call while addressing the Regional Private Sector Breakfast Forum in Montego Bay, St. James on Tuesday.

Dr. Holness says the private and public sectors must act in unison to chart the way forward.

He noted that currently intra-CARICOM trade remains relatively low, at just over 11 per cent, providing significant room to expand.

The prime minister encouraged the private sector to leverage digital platforms, global trade expos, and new partnerships to drive competitiveness in priority sectors.

Dr. Holness outlined several foundational priorities to strengthen CARICOM’s resilience including improved access to finance for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, accelerating digital transformation.

He says through stronger intra-regional trade CARICOM has a better chance of navigating the current uncertain global trade and business environment.

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness.