Jamaica and Saudi Fund for Development explore tourism and reconstruction cooperation

Jamaica's Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, has led discussions with the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) to explore potential cooperation in tourism, infrastructure, education and healthcare, including support for post-Hurricane Melissa reconstruction.

The discussions, held in Riyadh on September 8, form part of Jamaica's efforts to develop new international partnerships under Bartlett's Tourism 3.0 strategy and support the country's wider development and tourism agenda.

The Saudi Fund for Development is a Saudi government development agency that provides financing for infrastructure and social development projects in developing countries. According to the organisation, it has provided more than $20 billion in funding across 741 projects globally.

Focus on tourism workforce and infrastructure

The discussions examined areas where the SFD's financing model could support Jamaica's national development priorities, particularly in education, healthcare, infrastructure and human capital.

Tourism workforce development emerged as a key area of potential cooperation. Tourism is a major contributor to Jamaica's foreign exchange earnings and employment, making investment in skills and training an important part of the sector's long-term development.

Bartlett said partnerships in these areas could help ensure that the benefits of tourism extend beyond the industry itself.

“Jamaica continues to seek partnerships that translate tourism's success into tangible benefits for our people — in the classrooms where our children learn, in the hospitals where our families are cared for, and in the training institutions that prepare our workforce for the future,” he said.

He added that engagement with the SFD represented an opportunity to build broader and mutually beneficial cooperation between Jamaica and Saudi Arabia.

Post-Hurricane Melissa reconstruction

The talks also included post-Hurricane Melissa reconstruction as part of the proposed cooperation.

The discussions are intended to identify areas where development financing could support Jamaica's recovery and contribute to new tourism-related infrastructure and projects under the country's Tourism 3.0 approach.

Bartlett also stressed the importance of investing in tourism workers as the sector adapts to future demands.

“Jamaica’s tourism thrives on the creativity and passion of our workforce and so we must invest in our human capital as we continue to future proof the sector,” he said.

Further technical discussions planned

Donovan White, Jamaica's Director of Tourism, said potential cooperation highlights the connection between tourism development and broader national wellbeing, including the need for a skilled workforce and supporting social infrastructure.

Following the discussions, Jamaica and the SFD agreed to continue high-level technical consultations to identify and assess potential areas of collaboration.

The next stage is expected to involve discussions with Saudi Eskab and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, as well as a proposed technical visit to Jamaica by senior SFD representatives.

The visit would allow the parties to assess infrastructure gaps, development priorities and potential opportunities for cooperation.

The proposed engagement forms part of Jamaica's broader efforts to diversify international partnerships while strengthening tourism, human capital and infrastructure development.