The National Export Strategy will bring positive changes to trade in Jamaica, Marjory Kennedy, immediate past president of the Jamaica Exporters' Association, has said.

Among the benefits of the strategy Kennedy noted, is the focus on several key industries such as agro-processing, aquaculture, coffee, fashion, jewellery and accessories, mining and minerals and services in the areas of education, entertainment and information and communications technology.

Kennedy was speaking at the Shipping Association of Jamaica's Lunch and Learn Seminar last Wednesday. The Lunch and Learn Seminars are held monthly to provide information to members on developments in the shipping industry.

According to Kennedy, the strategy, which was designed between April 2008 and June 2009, outlines seven key areas that will reflect change.

Standardised universal and value-added services.

Business-specific information for entrepreneurs.

Aggressive dissemination of business information.

Consistent, affordable, effective and quality advice.

Training in a wide cross section of business skills.

Integrated development and training.

More affordable quality certification.

"The goals of the strategy are to increase the export industry's contribution to the overall employment generation to improve the livelihoods of marginalised groups, achieve greater diversification of the export industry, as well as maintaining country's competitiveness at all levels to ensure the reliability and sustainability of the sector," Kennedy said.

She highlighted that the strategy will help to sustain a strong demand for Jamaican products and services, shorten the time from factory to port, capitalise on market competitiveness, enhance market support as well as provide easy access to business/export information.