Air service agreement reached between Jamaica and Mexico

Jamaica’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Dr Kenneth Baugh (left) and Mexican Foreign Minister, Patricia Espinosa Cantellano (right) signing the Air Services Agreement that is intended to expand the air linkages be

KINGTON, Jamaica, November 6, 2009 – Jamaica and Mexico have signed on to a new bilateral civil aviation agreement, which will allow for improved air service between the two countries.

It is intended to expand air linkages, facilitate investment and tourism flows and provide the framework within which designated commercial carriers can operate.

The Air Service Agreement was signed yesterday by Jamaica's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Dr Kenneth Baugh, and Mexico's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Patricia Espinosa Cantellano.

Dr Baugh said he was pleased with the accord, which is a revised version of a 1975 agreement between both countries.

"In the context of closer ties and intensifying our integration and economic co-operation, of building economic space and markets, creating jobs, exports and a better quality of life for all peoples of the region, Jamaica recognises that the air transport sector is a critical vehicle for economic growth and development, making this agreement of particular importance for both countries," he said.

Dr Baugh added that, as both governments strive to keep abreast of the impact of globalization and the current financial crisis, their attainment of sustainable economic growth needs to be based on a pragmatic approach, which maximizes potential areas such as the service sector.

The aviation industry has been identified as one of those sectors which offer viable means of economic growth, as well as facilitating other sectors through distribution of goods and services to compliment production and consumption, he noted.

The Foreign Affairs Minister said that Jamaica intends to make full use of the limitless options offered in the agreement, especially in tourism and trade, and encouraged Mexico to do the same.

Ambassador Espinosa Cantellano said Mexico attaches great importance to the agreement. She pointed to the complexities that currently affect commercial flights between the two countries, adding that Mexico is committed to changing the situation.

"The signing of this agreement is an important step in the development of closer relations between our two countries," she suggested, adding that there has been multiple instances of cooperation and friendship between both countries in the past.

"So Mexico has an unwavering commitment to continue enhancing bilateral relations with Jamaica, and to work closely together in the promotion of our common goals in regional and international fora, as is the case today in these two very important and relevant meetings here in Montego Bay.”

Ambassador Espinosa Cantellano explained that this commitment is part of a wider effort by Mexico to strengthen its presence in the Caribbean, which it regards as an important region.