Noel Thompson, Freelance Writer

Karl Samuda ... Minister of Industry and Commerce - file

WESTERN BUREAU:

Minister of Industry and Commerce, Karl Samuda, has underscored the need for particular attention to be given to the manufacturing sector in order to create more jobs and grow the economy in a dynamic way.

He was speaking at the 12th annual staging of the Montego Bay Expo at the Cruise Ship Terminal at the Montego Freeport on Friday.

"There are those among us who have said and continue to say that manufacturing is dead. The fact is that I come to the table as a newly appointed minister under the leadership of a prime minister who is so committed to the private sector that he is prepared to hedge on the side of being called an under-regulator with all the consequences, rather than to be categorised as one who stands in the way of progress and allow the business community to experience frustration," Samuda noted.

Responsibility

He said it was in keeping with that spirit that he had been charged with the responsibility to create a task force consisting of key members of the private sector, ranging from manufacture, as well as the small business community to determine what measures were necessary to move the economy forward that would erase bureaucracy so that business could go on with the work of creating growth and development in the country.

"We are going to be focusing on some of the key things that have been an impediment to us, such as the packaging industry to make it more attractive and reliable," he said. "You have also charged me with the responsibility of ensuring that small manufacturers are given a piece of the procurement pie."

Samuda said, for years, the need had arisen to set aside a certain level of procurement for local producers. In this regard, he said the Government would be reviewing the entire system of procurement, as well as giving incentives to the manufacturing sector that will enable it to become more competitive.

Commitment

Minister Samuda also praised the chamber in its continued drive to keep the expo alive for the last 12 years, stating that it was evidence of its commitment for the development of business in the city.

Meanwhile, Custos of St. James, Clarence Nelson, congratulated the chamber, its president, Pauline Reid, and Mary Chambers for what he described as "the aggressive way in which they have led the chamber to a new dimension".

Held under the theme 'Show-casing Jamaica and the Caribbean', the expo featured the best of manufactured goods, services, technology, tourism, craft, agriculture, education, trade and investments. The event ended yesterday.