Lavern Clarke, Business Editor

Christopher Zacca, president of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica. - File

Jamaica's corporate bosses say they still face challenges in their business dealings with Trinidad and Tobago and called Thursday for more dialogue on the trade relations between the two Caricom partners.

While not directly making a link between that issue and Trinidad's more advantageous trading position, the Chris Zacca-led Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) said that "whether by design or default", its members perceive that there are barriers to their goods and investments in the country of 1.3 million.

The latest compiled trade data published by the central bank on Jamaica's trade with its Caricom partners, shows imports from Trinidad, a country of 1.3 million, topping US$87 million over the period January to March 2004 - down from US$106 million for the similar period in 2003; while exports to that country were at US$3.94 million, a slight adjustment down from US$3.98 million, in the respective periods.

The Statistical Institute of Jamaica, which compiles the data, told Sunday Business on Wednesday that 2004 figures were the latest available.

Sunday Business calculations utilising three data points for trade between the two countries, January-March quarters 2002-2004, shows that imports from Trinidad averaged US$90 million per quarter, while exports were US$4.13 million.

Projected on those figures, the value of trade for 2004 would be an estimated US$360 million of exports and US$16.5 million of imports ? a gap in Trinidad's favour of US$343.5 million.

Government sources say, however, that more current figures available to them indicates that thegap is closer to US$500 million.

Much of that trade would have centred on energy related goods. The liquefied natural gas deal that now appears to be in abeyance, would have widened that gap.

The PSOJ, whose statement follows harsh criticism by the Jamaica Manufacturers Association on Trinidad's handling of the LNG agreement, and Trinidad's public statement via its resident ambassador here that the country's ability to supply the gas was always at issue, said whatever the facts concerning the LNG agreement, other issues needed airing.

"A canvass of our members has revealed that whatever the facts concerning the actual content and provisions of the MOU, there are real concerns regarding the state of trading relations between both countries," said the PSOJ in its statement.

"The fact remains that a large trade gap exists between Jamaica and Trinidad and there is a perception that by design or default, that there are barriers to Jamaican goods and investment. However, the PSOJ feels that the problem between both countries ought to be solved through constructive dialogue and action to remove any barriers to harmonious trade."

The trade association said it was willing to pursue steps to "promote dialogue and corrective action" so that the relationship shared by both countries is not hurt in the long run.

lavern.clarke@gleanerjm.com