KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Dr Horace Chang, says the Government is committed to supporting private partners in the development of infrastructural projects in Jamaica.

“The Administration fully appreciates and realises the value of partnership with private-sector interests. We have sought to provide the instruments of engagement that allow for the building and retooling of various enterprises and infrastructural activities throughout the country,” he said.

The minister was addressing a Bidders Conference for the divestment of the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) on the grounds of the facility in Kingston yesterday.

Dr Chang said the divestment of the Kingston Container Terminal (now the Kingston Freeport Terminal) and the Sangster International Airport (MBJ), signal the kind of transformation that takes place with private-sector involvement.

“We have a history of significant Government involvement in business, but this Government is committed to create the infrastructure for the private sector and to facilitate their investment and development,” he said.

He pointed out that this private-public partnership (PPP) arrangement with the NMIA will further equip the country to meet the demands of the global economy and to position the nation “as a truly multimodal transportation region”.

“We are very pleased at the show of interest in the NMIA private-public partnership,” he said.

Dr Chang noted, as well, that the divestment plan is part of the strategic plan to move the country on an accelerated growth path.

The Government has been unsuccessful in divesting the NMIA for a number of years. However, following an international invitation for bids earlier this year, and an evaluation process, eight firms were selected.

A preferred bidder is to be selected and announced by March 2018.