The government says negotiations aimed at arriving at definitive agreements for the development of the Goat Islands are to start in the next few weeks.
The agreements are to firm up the plans for transforming the islands off the coast of St Catherine into a transshipment port as well as an industrial and commercial zone.
The development is to be carried out by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC).
Transport and Works Minister, Dr. Omar Davies says there are proposals to produce items such as gantry cranes and other port related items in the industrial zone.
Davies said it would take another five years before the islands are developed.
The first phase of the development is expected to be completed by the last quarter of 2016.
CHEC has completed a technical feasibility study of the islands to determine the construction methodology to be used.
It is awaiting an environmental impact assessment from the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA).
All feeds
