Jamaica and EU in Trade Relations

Jamaica Government is considering strengthening the Trade Relation with EU

Jamaica & EU Relations

Although already in very good terms with EU countries, the authorities at Jamaica are considering ways through which they can gain more from the CARIFORUM-European Union (EU) Economic Partnership Agreement so as to strengthen its trade relationships with the 27-member EU. Before hiring any Air Cargo to Africa from UK service, contact Cargotoafrica.co.uk.

A little Flashback:

The EPA between EU and the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) came active in 2009. CARIFORUM represent African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States. This agreement replaces the Cotonou agreement signed in 2000, giving more access for CORIFORUM countries into the EU market. This market access will be more long-term, it also has provisions for cooperation and development support for the Caribbean.

Cariforum

The main Stance:

Jamaica’s foreign affairs and foreign trade minister Senator Kamina John Smith said recently in the third Jamaica/EU Political Dialogue that they are seriously considering ways to gain more from the agreement. The largest trade partner in that bloc of Jamaica is United Kingdom and the consideration is taking place sideways as many new developments are either underway. One of which is the pending departure of United Kingdom from European Union. The Jamaica Senator said that despite their strong relationship with UK, they want to further enhance the collaboration with EU side by side.

Senator Kamina John Smith

For the purpose of reviewing steps that can be taken in the direction, a commission has been established that will look into the relationships within CARICOM and CARIFORUM structure, the report will be ready soon.

European Union as an agent of Development in Caribbean:

Jamaica’s senator also paid gratitude to EU for its tremendous help in the development of Jamaica and in turn of Caribbean and in broader sense in ACP countries. They have also reviewed an EU communiqué which gives the signal to where the relation of ACP countries and EU stands. The relation of EU and ACP is very strong and is growing still further. She said that they want to examine through the commission’s report what can be done to further the strong tie between the two. Not only this, cargo sectors like sea cargo and air cargo also very important in building up relations with the countries.

EU & ACP

Head of the EU delegation appreciated the dialogue between her and the Senator. According to her these dialogues show commitment between the two trading regions. Other issues related to trade and apart from trade were also discussed in the dialogue.

Conclusion:

In general the dialogue between the two representatives is very positive. The discussion points out towards the line on which the two regions are going to be going in terms of trade. It has also been cleared in the dialogue that EU in general and UK in specific both are important for Jamaica or Caribbean or ACP countries at large. As United Kingdom is the largest trade partner its importance cannot be ignored and the contribution EU is making in the development of the ACP region is worth appreciating.

Jamaica & Caribbean

Another interesting thing to be noted is that even if UK is going to get separated from EU, the relation between the three is signaled not to be affected by the separation and will continue to grow. Such collaborations are very positive for the growth of trade internationally and they should continue.

Africa is Advised to Prefer Sea Freighting

Less emission means safe environment that is why ships are preferable transport

We all know what is happening to our environment on daily bases and we are under threat no matter what we do escaping the fact is no use. Advancement in industry and technology has given mankind a far much better living standard, but on the other hand the soil and air are being contaminated heavily with chemicals. To avoid a condition that will make the humans and animals hard to breathe there are some very solid steps that are to be taken to make the situation better.

Sea Cargo

This cannot happen in a flash, but gradually earth can be made safe for living. When air freight increases this means advancement in fast trade, but on the other hand the emissions from the planes are proving to be environment. Preferring sea freight is a green way to do trade and thus it is being promoted these days. Check out Cargo to Africa from UK for cost effective and reliable cargo services. Visit us at Cargotoafrica.co.uk

Advice For the new Traders:

It is trait of the old business men to follow the same path through which they have leaded the way to success. But it is the new ones that have to change the old line and make a fresh start for a safe greener environment. This way one can make the others follow by setting a good example of success. The idea can be presented to convince others to do the same as it can also ensure a successful trading way.

Sea Freighting

Ships omit lesser chemicals in the air than an airplane and thus considered as more healthy for the environment. Africa’s most of the trade is done through sea and globally it is becoming popular to promote Sea Freighting rather than air freight.

Improving Shelf Life:

Following these instructions the shelf life of products can be improved a lot. Also another thing is to do an intelligent survey of the shortest route to reach the destination. The connecting canals are now making the routes shorter for a full month journey shortening it to a seven to eight days time. Also improved engineering has made the speed much better for the ships and it is proving to be a positive point for using this medium. A safe future for the younger ones should be the ultimate aim of those in power of doing this.

What is to be considered for Sea freighting?

Although sea freighting is considered as safe for environment but there are things to be considered which can make this mode successful. Undue delays should be avoided at any cost so that it can become better for the trading purpose. Timing and planning is very important as these can be the only two factors which can make this freight transport a fast way to trade.

Temperature Maintaining

There are now Temperature Controlled Containers that can carry perishable products and shelf life does not make them get rotten after a short while. In case you are to export or import corps, it should be made sure to have them harvested and prepared for shipment as quick as possible and the freighter should start the journey as fast as possible. These things can ensure a successful trade through sea.

Nigerian Authorities should Speed up Cargo dwell time

Advanced technology must be introduced to have a speedy process

Nigeria is ranked to have the slowest clearance process as compared to other countries in the world. This is in no way a positive thing. The process is so complicated that the imported cargo has to pass through many authorities at the port and it is a necessary step to pass through the whole process and get clearance from every authority.

Cargo Shipping

To have an increase in trade a simple one point system is required with modern technology to have the documents checked at one point and let the cargo reach its destination at time. Read more about Cargo Shipping must visit, Cargo to Africa first.

How long is the Duration?

The cargo has to wait 19-25 days to get cleared from the port. The reason for this is the large number of units each government agency have at the port, and the import documents have to pass through each unit for its clarification. The Nigeria Custom Service alone has more than 10 units through which the documents pass, and this is not it, there are more agencies that have the unit count of 4 to 5 and this is a strong reason of the delay.

More Reasons of Delay:

Other than the number of agencies and their units, there are other reasons that account for the delay in the cargo pass out. One is the increase in the number of agencies. Two more agencies namely,

Nigerian Ports

Nationally Agency of Food and Drug Administration Control and Standards Organization of Nigeria have entered the already huge number of agencies making the process more slow and tedious. Also the slow documentation process of each section is very exasperating and by not availing the new system the Nigerian ports are putting themselves in difficult situation.

Why to Decrease the number of Agencies at sea-ports?

For a speedy certification or clearance process the number of agencies must be decreased at the ports. This is not the only reason why this step should be taken, by doing this it will also lower down the level of corruption going on at the site. The more the departments, the more they will ask for bribe to have the document pass from its premises and it will cost the importer more to have the consent for having the imports taken out of the sea port. This is a very tiring and frustrating exercise as the freighter has to do an extra exercise to have his cargo cleared. Although this whole lot of agencies may be there to decrease the illegal transfer of prohibited goods in the country, but it is increasing the problem on the corruption end and the delay discourages the freighters to do business with the country.

What more adds to the Situation?

Not only that the number of days for the clearance of the cargo is very high, the number of free days for storage of cargo is also very less.

Cargo Storage

Only three free days are granted to the importers and then the terminal operators start charging according to the items. These are very odd conditions that the government is putting the traders in the region. The Government of Nigeria should pass a better order for improving the situation on its territory.

Africa’s Waters Polluted with Pirates

Piracy creates an alarming situation in the west side especially

Africa is a continent that has most of its states suffering from draught and food deficiencies. The only region that represents a high economy is South Africa and it covers a major part of this continent’s trade. According to the statistics the piracy has decreased at present but it is still present and if it diminishes from one part the other part starts suffering from it.

African Pirates

The reason may be that a little breech in the security gives the pirates a chance to do their activities in that area. Same has been the case with west side of Africa, the eastern areas has worked to get rid of this problem and they succeeded to a lot extent, but now the problem has started building up on the western side and it is a tough situation those areas are facing. Continue to read more about import your goods must visit, Cargo To Africa first.

What areas are getting mostly affected?

The Somalia region was the one getting mostly affected by this problem and the attacks doubled in 2016, but now there has been a decline in such activities over there. The Gulf of Guinea is the present target of these pirates, and the countries sharing the coastline are getting hit the most. These countries include Nigeria, Benin and Togo; these areas have become the hub of African Pirates and to overcome this situation west can take the example of how east has dealt with this outbreak. But there are many things that hinder in the way of making any step particle.

Somalia Region

The major reasons of this trend:

For a permanent solution the governments of these regions have to see to it that what is troubling their citizens and why they are turning towards this illegal profession.

Decline in Fishes: The first and foremost reason is that the fishing lines are facing a decrease in fish and only small fishes are left for the fishermen for their livelihood. This has created an alarming situation as people depend on fishing for their bread and butter; the decline has affected them very badly.

Cargo Theft

As African countries depends mostly on the ocean for their trade, a very convenient way for having their lives run smoothly these fishermen have turned towards piracy which provides them an easy way out of their situation.

Easy Money: Another reason being considered is that due to the payment of ransom, these pirates are becoming more confident and as they get paid easily they are assured of having money for their families and carry on with their work.

Core Problem: Above all these reasons there are major problems that become an underlying reason of why all this is happening. Corruption, lack of coordination and communication, unemployment and lack of funds for fighting piracy all present a case which is not letting the authorities to take action against this difficult situation.

Easy Money

As it is not clear that who is doing what and who is responsible for the whole problem and if this will be known then another problem stands which is a serious lack of communication. Due to corruption people do not want to further any information until unless it has there personal interest. This situation is very confusing and it is making the trading coasts unsafe and the situation will become grosser if steps are not taken.

African Cargo Companies Are Being Reshaped

Use of Advanced Communication means to cater customer’s needs

Survival of the fittest is true in all walks of life so cargo forwarder of Africa that has moved to IT and modern means do not need to bother about their future. It is an observation by an expert speaking at the recent conference in Johannesburg. So there is need to invest more to remain relevant in this business.

South African Air

Online platforms are now getting more attention and the traditional freight companies are quite aware of the situation so they are willing to move on modern means to keep customers interested in use of their services. With this the african cargo industry would act more smartly and become able to offer cheap services. This would also impact positively at quality of services provided by the same.

Old versus new

There will be a difference between those having knowledge of the procedures and the new comers that are better equipped. But this can be tackled with hiring of experienced staff or they can overcome the shortcoming after a while. Use of information technology certainly fills this gap more quickly than imagined.

African Cargo Companies Reshape

The case with old companies would remain till they adopt new technology for improved functions at all levels. Such a wealth of information about rates and carriers provide them an edge to make most of the situation. These startups have been focusing on different areas to be masters in them and challenge the well established tycoons of the business. This is a good thinking to create space for their ventures and attract customers.

Up starters are concentrating on different aspects

The first group of new freight forwarders is interested in offering competitive prices and to beat others as they want to capture sizeable share without any delay. The other companies are more innovative as they focus on extending facilities that were not present previously as less or easier documentation and quick flow of cargo.

Container Shipping Africa

Good thing about these companies are that they have ideas and capital to invest. But what is missing is no reach at global scale so availability of both earlier described factors does not prove effective. The whole supply chain has not been targeted by them they concentrate on parts so does not pose any threat for old ones.

Focus the whole Market

It is a wide market and addressing the needs of a segment of it is not enough to change the overlook. Airlines also have been renewing partnership and trying to offer what is required by the shippers and forwarders. There are chances of direct relation of shippers and airlines not to minus someone but the later wants to understand the procedures well.

Air Cargo

A workable solution of issues at different levels can be evolved with help and efforts of all stakeholders in the field. It is also good to offer tailor made solutions for different products so that merchants can be satisfied. From United Kingdom to growing market of Africa supply of good is on the rise so people of this very field are rightly conscious about reshaping facilities to match the increasing needs of the continent.