Great Wall Motor opens US$7 million Kingston showroom as government issues five cement import licences

Great Wall Motor has opened a permanent showroom in Kingston, underscoring fresh private-sector confidence in Jamaica's economy, as the government moves to ease cement shortages through new import licences.

Industry, Investment and Commerce Minister Senator Aubin Hill delivered the keynote address at the June 3 launch of the US$7 million facility at Stewart's Automotive Group. The 9,000-square-foot GWM showroom on South Camp Road, housed in the Diana Stewart building, drew more than 500 guests. Great Wall Motor, one of China's leading privately owned automotive manufacturers with operations in more than 170 countries and regions, chose Jamaica for a purpose-built retail presence.

Separately, Senator Hill said five companies have been licensed to import cement as shortages weigh on construction and the wider economy. Rock Hard Cement, Tankwell Metals, Island Concrete, Gore Developments, and the Buying House received allocations totalling 390,000 tons. Senator Hill told RJR News the quotas were approved after talks with industry stakeholders and cabinet discussions.

On the Jamaica Stock Exchange for the trading period of June 19, 2026, Dollar Financial Services Limited led activity with 4,361,758 units traded, representing 20.25% of market sales. Kentire Holdings Jamaica Limited recorded 3,430,584 units, or 15.93%, while Wigton Energy Limited moved 2,425,589 units, accounting for 9.48%. Trading stayed concentrated in energy and finance names, pointing to sustained interest in dividend-paying and strategic holdings.

Bank of Jamaica figures for the same date showed active foreign-exchange trading across major currencies. The US dollar sold at $158.58 and was bought at $156.53, reflecting steady liquidity. The Canadian dollar sold for $112.80 and was bought for $111.92 amid moderate gains across 88 transaction spreads. Sterling showed continued volatility, offering banks short-term trading opportunities on spreads of about $4.73. Those movements highlight the value of timing and currency awareness for firms managing imports, debt service, and export receipts.