July - September 2015
The JMA Renews MOU with BSJ Inside this Issue
L-R Imega Breese McNab, Executive Director of the JMA; Metry Seaga, President of the JMA; Maurice Lewin, Director of Human Resource Management and Development of BSJ and Yvonne Hall, Executive Director of the BSJ.
JMA RENEWS MOU WITH BSJ
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CHRISTMAS IN JULY INITIATIVE
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MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME
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JMA MEMBER WINS JAMAICA OBSERVERS MOGUL IN THE MAKING
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NEW MEMBERS
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WORK OF THE SECRETARIAT
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BUSINESS RENEWAL AND PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP
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SECTORAL WORKSHOP
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JMA MEMBERS PARTICIPATE IN JAPEX
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT
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ECONOMIC REVIEW
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The Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association (JMA) and the Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) on Tuesday, August 25, 2015 signed a renewal of their Memorandum of Understanding, in support of the Business Partnership Programme. The fundamental aim of the programme is to provide technical support to Micro Small and Medium Term Enterprises (MSME), which will assist them to implement quality systems in their organizations and ultimately compete more effectively in the global market. Among the responsibilities of the Bureau are facilitating capacity building for businesses within JMA’s membership, identifying and distributing information to the industry stakeholders relevant to their development as well as providing training of trainers for specific areas identified and mutually agreed. The JMA under the MOU would continue to encourage their membership to implement and maintain quality systems as outputs of the technical support offered by the Bureau. Members of the JMA, particularly the micro, small and medium sized enterprises will benefit from a twenty (20) per cent discount on services offered by the Bureau. However, Members must be involved in standardization activities related to the implementation of quality systems. Turn to Page 2 1
The JMA Renews MOU with BSJ Cont’d
President of the JMA, Metry Seaga (second left) and Executive Director of the (BSJ), Ms. Yvonne Hall (right), sign the MOU while Executive Director of JMA, Mrs. Imega Brese-McNab (left) and Director of Human Resource Management and Development of BSJ, Mr. Maurice Lewin observe.
Members of the audience listens as Metry Seaga delivers his remarks.
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Manufacturers benefit from “CHRISTMAS IN JULY” Initiative
JMA’s Members Journey’s End Wine (left), Wilpar Ltd. (centre) and J Wray and Nephew (right) display their products at the Christmas in July Exhibition.
Members of the manufacturing fraternity benefited from the inaugural staging of the Christmas in July initiative, which saw manufacturers showcasing their diverse quality products to high level decision makers, purchasers and distributors. The event, held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on July 24, 2015 is a collaborative effort of the Tourism Linkages Hub and its partners.
explore additional opportunities for the manufacturing sector. The event represents real business for manufacturers and acts as a stimulus to the sector. It further fosters an import substitution model, a key developmental strategy that compliments local factor endowments, increased employment and critical foreign exchange savings.
The exhibition hosted approximately eighty (80) local manufacturers of authentic Jamaican souvenirs and gifts including ceramics, paintings, bags, processed foods and aromatherapy/spa products. The event is a groundbreaking one, which has earned national respect through its effort to link producers directly to their niche market. The exhibition is a part of a wider national strategy to
The Tourism Linkages Hub comprises the, the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment, the JMA, Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) as well as the Rural Agriculture Development Agency (RADA).
Minister of Tourism and Entertainment Dr Wykeham McNeill (second left) and Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Anthony Hylton (right) try the handcrafted chairs made by Creative Director of Miller’s Furnishing, Arthur Miller (centre) as President of the Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association (JMA) Metry Seaga looks on.
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Second Phase of JMA’s Mentorship Programme a Success
Gary “Butch” Hendrickson Mentor, National Baking Company Limited (centre) expounds on a point as the mentees listen attentively.
The second phase of the JMA’s Mentorship Programme with mentor Gary “Butch” Hendrickson of National Baking Company was held on July 30, 2015 and was lauded a great success by participants. Mr. Hendrickson addressed areas of critical importance to the manufacturing sector including funding and innovative ways to target export markets. The Mentorship Programme aimed at the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) is a part of the ongoing effort of the JMA to create avenues for growth of businesses in the manufacturing sector. This is achieved by linking mentees with successful peers who possess the requisite knowledge and experience that smaller manufacturers may lack. Eight companies were represented at the second phase of the programme. They are Herboo Corporation, Produce Connection Ja. Ltd, BAUGHaus Design Studio, Chocolate Dreams Ltd, Sankhard Co. Ltd, LiqyLiqy, Annilu Ltd and Signature Cakes and Desserts. The overwhelming demand from the manufacturing sector has prompted the JMA to formalize an official pilot programme commencing next year.
JMA Members take top Awards in the Jamaica Observer’s Mogul in the Making The JMA extends heartiest congratulations to its members Herboo Enterprise for taking the top award as the 2015 Jamaica Observer Mogul in the Making and Liqy Liqy for winning the Business Journalists’ Award. Special commendation is also given to JMA’s member Ollunid Traders for having been selected as a contender in the Programme. The Jamaica Observer Mogul in the Making is aimed at revealing to the world the ideas of young Jamaicans who successfully embody the spirit of entrepreneurism, while making a positive impact on the economy. 4
New Members
MSE MEMBER Coldbush Organics Ltd. CEO: Ms. Hellen French Address: 49 Ocean Lake Bull Bay, St. Andrew Tel: 854-5604/750-0563 Group: Food and Agro Products: Chocolate Bars, Cocoa Powder, Cocoa Butter, Chocolate Spread.
PH Seven Manufacturing & Service Ltd. CEO: Ms. Michelle McKay Address: 27 Lady Musgrave Road Kingston 5 Tel: 944-8000/995-3093 Group: Chemicals, Cosmetics & Pharmaceuticals Products: Goat Milk Soaps, Goat Milk Lotions, Scrubs, Lip Balms Venunez Flooring & Concrete Ltd. CEO: Ms. Veniesha Dennis Address: 2 Rovan Drive Jacks Hill Tel: 631-9183/437-3820 Fax: 631-9183 Group: Minerals and Metal Products: Garden Benches & Table, Stepping Stones/Planters, Barbed Wire Fencing Post, Concrete Laundry Tubs. Touch by VLS CEO: Ms. Victoria Silvera Address: 11 Pigon Vale Stony Hill, St. Andrew Tel: 436-6259 Group: Furniture, Bedding & Wooden Products: Urchin Sculptures, Urchin Lighting, Urchin Crockery (Ceramics)
MSE MEMBER Cont’d The Hibiscus Plant Nursery CEO: Mr. Dwayne Edwards Address: Time & Patience District Linstead Tel: 864-6654 Group: Minerals and Metal Product: Compost Soil Conditioner and Hibiscus Plants ORDINARY MEMBERS White Rose Interiors Ltd. CEO: Mr. Patrick Marsden Address: Unit 32, 30-32 Red Hills Road Kingston 10 Tel: 929-7868/906-0711 Fax: 908-4307 Group: Textile & Sewn Products: Vertical Blinds, Roller Shade, 2” Horizontal Blinds
Regency Blinds Ltd. CEO: Mr. Roderick Fongyee Address: 30-34 Half Way Tree Road Kingston 5 Tel: 929-6410 Fax: 929-1454 Group: Furniture, Bedding & Wooden Products: Roller Shades, Horizontal Blinds, Zebra Shades, Vertical Blinds. Active Traders Ltd. CEO: Mr. Christopher Graham Address: 84 Constant Spring Road Kingston 10 Tel: 755-0027 Fax: 969-9077 Group: Furniture, Bedding and Wooden Products: Granite Countertops
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New Members Cont’d
EyE Q Optical Ltd.
Famrich Company Ltd.
CEO: Mr. Aron Wohl Address: 8 St. Lucia Avenue Kingston 5 Tel: 906-1493 Fax: 906-1255 Group: Chemicals, Cosmetics & Pharmaceuticals Products: Eye Glasses
CEO: Mr. Hensley Barr Address: 6 Tobiar Road Kingston 11 Tel: 788-2959/807-4439 Group: Mineral and Metals Products: Thinset, Concrete 6”Blocks, Paving Stones.
Labels Crafts Jamaica CEO: Ms. Catherine Gregory Address: 30-34 Half Way Tree Road Kingston 5 Tel: 906-8837/906-0927 Fax: 908-1713 Group: Printing, Packaging and Paper Products: Labels, Advertising Material
Old Reid Corporation
CEO: Mr. Wesbert Campbell Address: 34 Old Reid court Spring Village Bushy Park P.O. Tel: 403-1543 Group: Food and Agro Products: Jamaican Rum
Federated Pharmaceuticals 2014 Ltd. CEO: Mr. Glen Christian Address: 1 Bell Road Kingston 11 Tel: 923-7236-8 Fax: 923-7236-8 Group: Chemicals, Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals Products: DPH Range of liquids, Cetamol range of liquid and capsules, RID cream, Hemafed
WORK OF THE SECRETARIAT ASSISTANCE PROVIDED
Thirty nine (39) requests for assistance were satisfied in areas including: Clarification on Environmental Levy Rules of Origin Certification for CARICOM Suspension of the Common External Tariff (CET) Distribution channel marketing assistance Importation of raw materials/packaging when using a contract manufacturer Manufacturing Certification
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Manufacturers Benefit from Business Renewal and Performance Workshop As part of the JMA’s ongoing initiative to propel the growth of the manufacturing sector, the Association on Thursday, July 2, 2015 hosted a Business Renewal and Performance Workshop, headlined by Dr. William W. Lawrence, prominent Management Consultant at the Mona School of Business. The salient focus of the workshop was on strategies to drive the manufacturing sector forward and was entrenched in Lawrence’s solutions for company unprofitability, advanced in his new book on the subject “Business Renewal and Performance in Jamaica.” Dr. Lawrence addressed some of the main challenges encountered by manufacturing companies and advanced pathways to profitability, increasing productivity levels and ultimately performance recovery. He further stated that business losses in general arise from a lack of knowledge, harsh economic conditions and financial difficulties. However, a turnaround arises from changing strategy and or regaining efficiency depending on the cause of decline. In addition, Ms. Tamara Nelson of the Jamaica Productivity Centre identified critical areas necessary for improving performance such as: investment in people and skills, developing leadership and management capabilities, improving the workplace culture for greater productivity, encouraging innovation and enhancing technology.
JMA hosts Manufacturing Sectoral Workshop The Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association (JMA) on Thursday July 9, 2015 hosted its Sectoral Workshop for the Preparation of the Medium Term Socio-Economic Policy Framework 2015-2018, as part of its Vision 2030 objectives. The Workshop was aimed at identifying the priority issues affecting the manufacturing sector and the priority actions needed to advance the sector forward. President of the JMA, Metry Seaga in his opening statement noted that Vision 2030 created a framework for the manufacturing sector to return to its former dominant position. According to Mr. Seaga, “ Vision 2030 articulates an objective that anticipates the return of manufacturing to its previous strong position.” This is necessary and even critical he said, if we are to realistically expect Jamaica to become the “place of choice for people to live, work, raise families and do business. “ Continued on Page 8 7
JMA hosts Manufacturing Sectoral Workshop Cont’d Mr. Seaga further advanced that to realize the full potential of the sector and its contribution to national development, the supportive environment must continue to improve as well as the government and other stakeholders must seek to address the issues of productivity and competitiveness. He identified persistent issues affecting the sector such as high interest rates, lack of funding particularly for the MSME sector, high energy costs and crime and violence. Despite the challenges however, the sector has been able to make several gains. This include the acquisition of energy efficient equipment, increased capital investment and the expansion of plants to achieve greater efficiency. Numerous manufacturing companies are now ISO 14000 certified, while the Bureau of Standards Jamaica implemented awareness-raising sessions on ISO 50001 Energy management standards. The sector has also seen over sixty five training and development courses in Good Manufacturing Practices, HACCP and other international standards. The manufacturing industry remains the largest contributor to GDP of all goods-producing sectors and in 2015 contributed approximately 8.3 per cent to GDP, employs 72,900 individuals which translates to 6.5 per cent of the total labour force and generated in excess of US$680 million in export earnings. Mr. Seaga said that these facts, “continue to position the sector as a major engine of economic growth, job creation and prosperity.� Participants to the workshop included JMA members, the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC), Ministry of Finance and Planning and JAMPRO.
President of the JMA Mrs. Imega Breese McNab presents as the audience listens attentively.
Ms. Elizabeth Emanuel
President of the JMA, Metry Seaga presents his opening remarks.
Members of the audience listening with rapt attention.
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JMA’s Members Participate in the 25th Staging of JAPEX Members of the Jamaica Manufactures’ Association (JMA) displayed their locally manufactured commodities at the 25th staging of the Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX). The event which saw hundreds of buyers and local suppliers converging at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St James on September 20 to 22, offers an ideal opportunity for manufactures to meet with a variety of hoteliers. The annual event, put on by the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) and the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) marked the fourth year that the entities have coordinated with providers of goods and services to the hospitality sector. The event facilitated an exposure of the many excellent products available in the manufacturing sector and Jamaica. The event is also critical in the thrust to create linkages between the manufacturing sector and other sectors of the Jamaican economy. See highlights below.
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A-Bartley’s All in Wood; B-Irie Rock Yaad Spa; C-Pure National Ice Company Ltd; D-Tortuga Caribbean Rum Cake Ja. Ltd; E-Jamaica Macaroni Factory Ltd and F-Chocolate Dreams. 9
JMA makes Courtesy Call on the IMF
The JMA meets with IMF Representatives. Captured in the picture are (L-R) Metry Seaga, Michelle Smith, Omar Azan and Jason Dear with members of the IMF.
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Executive Director’s Report DRAFT JAMAICAN STANDARDS FOR BROWN AND WHITE SUGAR The Technical Committee from the Bureau of Standards Jamaica prepared the Draft Standards on White and Brown Sugar. The (JMA) submitted its comments on the Paper on September 2, 2015. Below is a summary of the JMA’s position:
The specifications for brown and white sugar should be combined. The standard should prescribe the requirements for brown and white sugars packed in consumer packages and bulk containers not exceeding 50 kg (112 lbs) and which are intended for human consumption. Given the need for greater enforcement for the importation and sale of white sugar based on the notion of revenue loss and food safety, the description should be more explicit to allow for strict enforcement.
There should be no difference in the standard for export and domestic product.
Packaging should include “all packaging areas, plants, equipment, floors, racking materials, personnel practices and hygienic practices observed in the packaging of sugar shall conform to the requirements of The Processed Food Act, 1959 and the Jamaican Standard for Processed Food (General).”
Consumer packages shall not be packaged in the store room of shops , wholesales or supermarkets .
Labelling should be changed to “all consumer packages as well as bulk containers shall be labelled in accordance with JS 1; Part 1, JS 1: Part 20 and the JS CRS 5 and should hence include but not be limited to name and address of the manufacturer or packer, lot identification, date marking, net content , possible presence of allergens.”
Sugar packed in excess of 10kg per unit should not be sold as retail packages and should only be sold to commercial or industrial entities that are using same as an ingredient.
CUSTOMS ADMENDMENT ACT 2015 The JMA submitted comments on the Customs Amendment Act and noted the following:
Most of the amendments are geared towards enforcement by the increase of fines and penalties.
The Act does not allow for minor mistakes as all terms “not exceeding” has been removed and all the fines are set.
The amendments are not far reaching enough to facilitate a logistic centered economy.
Changes to the timelines appear to increase in the favour of the government and less so the clients.
Instead of having a deposit made to the Commissioner of the duty demanded, the importer (manufacturer) should be required to post a bond. This will assist the importer’s cash flow as he can obtain a bond on the basis of security other than cash. 11
Executive Director’s Report Cont’d
The appeals process whereby the client has to accept guilt and make a cash deposit prior to undertaking an appeal is unfair. The clients should be asked to present views before a decision is taken and that goods are released immediately during the process.
As it relates to Section 50A, the process of internal review by the Commissioner needs to be transparent, especially in light of the increases in fines and that Customs is the enforcer and arbitrator. The review process needs to be impartial and clients need to be given the ability to present their case also in person.
Computer equipment are vital to the functioning of any business and it is important that in the event of a seizure of equipment businesses are able to carry on normal function in the shortest possible time. The JMA is therefore recommending that time frame for this is no more than five (5) days.
The Act allows that the Commissioner may retain originals for such period as the Commissioner may reasonably require. There should be a set timeline for the return of documents, required by others in the Act. This also stands for documents, books and records seized under sections 239B and 239C.
The Act now requires that documents must be kept for up to 7 years (section 239A and B). As per section 223 a person who fails to comply with a requirement under the Act will incur a penalty of J$2M. The Act does not accommodate for the loss, destruction of documents or innocent errors by persons.
The Act recommends that penalties and charges are to be calculated under the Tax Collection Act. The proposed formula will aid in putting manufacturers and exporters out of business.
REVIEW OF THE RULES OF ORIGIN (RoO) FOR SUGAR AND CONFECTIONARY REQUIRING MANUFACTURE FROM REGIONAL MATERIALS
The JMA submitted a letter to the Hon. Anthony Hylton, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce on August 31, 2015 regarding a review of the Rules of Origin on products produced from regional material of Chapter 17, outlined in the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas Schedule 1 (a) “List of Conditions to be Complied with as Provided Under Article 84 of the Treaty and Rules Regarding Community Origin.” The Association posited that the RoO should be reviewed under the following grounds:
There is no regional producer of refined sugar or substitutes, therefore the rule is outdated, anti-production and anti-regional trade;
Manufacturers currently have to apply for a Safeguard Mechanism to qualify for duty free market access regionally, which is bureaucratic and unnecessary. 12
ECONOMIC AND TRADE REVIEW GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT During the second quarter of 2015, the Jamaican economy experienced a 0.6 per cent growth when compared to the same quarter in 2014. This growth was attributed to improved performances in both the goods producing industries and services industries, of 0.8 per cent and 0.5 per cent respectively. All industries within the goods producing industries recorded higher levels of output, with Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing accounting for (0.3%), Mining & Quarrying (4.1%), Manufacturing (0.2%) and Construction (0.9%). However, the performance of the Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing industry was constrained by drought conditions which continued to affect the island. The Mining & Quarrying industry benefited from higher production levels at the alumina plants. Increased output from the Manufacturing industry was due largely to higher production levels from the Food, Beverages & Tobacco group. Growth in the Construction industry was due mainly to increased activities in civil engineering. The Services industries recorded higher levels of output with the exception of the Producers of Government Services industry, which declined by 0.2 per cent. Increased output was recorded for: Electricity & Water Supply (0.7%), Hotels & Restaurants (1.4%), Transport, Storage & Communication (1.4%), Wholesale & Retail Trade; Repairs; Installation of Machinery & Equipment (0.3%), Finance & Insurance Services (0.4%), Real Estate, Renting & Business Activities (0.5%) and Other Services (0.5%). The Hotels & Restaurants industry was positively impacted by higher tourist arrivals from two of the main tourism markets; the United States of America (USA) and Europe. Growth in Electricity & Water Supply was tempered by drought conditions which affected water production during the review period. When compared with the first quarter of 2015, the economy grew by 1.5 per cent. This was largely attributed to an increase in the Goods Producing industries (2.8%) and the Services industries (1.1%). Source: The Statistical Institute of Jamaica
TRADE
Jamaica’s goods trade deficit during January to July 2015 stood at US$2,239.7 million, a decline of 13.7 per cent when compared to US$2,594.8 million recorded in 2014 for the same period. Total imports stood at US$3,037.1 million, a reduction of 12.1 per cent. Earning from exports totaled US$797.4 million, a decrease of 7.5 per cent or US$64.7 million when compared to 2014. The United States of America (USA) continued to be Jamaica’s leading trading partner, with imports valued at US$1,162.4 million, representing a decrease of 8.6 per cent or US$109.5 million. Total revenue from export was valued at US$299.6 million, a decline of US$51.4 million or 14.7 per cent. As a result, the trade deficit with the USA decreased by 6.3 per cent, from US$ 920.8 million in the comparable 2014 period, to US$ 862.8 million in the 2015 review period.
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ECONOMIC AND TRADE REVIEW Cont’d IMPORTS For the period of January to July 2015, total imports were valued at US$3,037.1 million down from US$3,457.0 million recorded for the same period of 2014. Primarily impacting this overall decline were the commodity groups Mineral Fuels and Foods. Mineral Fuels fell by US$495 million or 39.5 per cent to US$ 758.2 million, while Food fell by 7.5 per cent or US$42.1 million to US$519.7 million. Additionally, three other commodity groups recorded a decline. They are Animal Vegetable oils (11.2%) down to US$21.8 million, Crude Oil (9.4%) down to US$34.4 million and Beverages and Tobacco (2.6%) down to US$39.8 million. Increases were however recorded in the commodity groups of Chemicals, Manufactured Goods, Machinery &Transport Equipment, Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles and Other. Imports of Chemicals grew by 5.6 per cent or US$19.5 million to US$368.8 million. Manufactured Goods increased by 8.3 per cent or US$28.8 million to US$376.6 million. Machinery and Transport Equipment increased by 8.6 per cent to US$573.1 million. Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles was valued at US$277.1 million and grew by 8.7 per cent.
CARICOM TRADE
Jamaica’s trade deficit with CARICOM fell by US$47.2 million during January to July 2015, to US$367.2 million when compared to the same period in 2014. Imports in the current 2015 review period were valued US$404.1 million, which represented a decline of 13.3 per cent when compared to the January to July 2014 period and was largely impacted by lower imports of the major commodity group Mineral Fuels, etcetera. Expenditure on this group was valued at US$250.3 million or 20.5 per cent below the US$315.0 million in the previous 2014 period. This was largely due to lower imports of finished products such as Bunker C grade fuel oil, Automotive Diesel Oil, Butane, Propane and Motor Spirit (gasoline). Receipts from total exports to CARICOM fell to US$36.9 million, 29.1 per cent below the US$52.1 million recorded in January to July 2014. Domestic exports accounted for US$30.4 million, down from US$47.3 million in the similar 2014 period.
EMPLOYMENT
The number of unemployed persons decreased by 6,300 or 3.5 per cent, moving from 179,300 persons in July 2014 to 173,000 persons in July 2015. The number of unemployed males decreased by 3,300 or 4.7 per cent, and the number of unemployed females decreased by 3,000 or 2.7 per cent for the same period. The unemployment rate for July 2015 was 13.1 per cent, which was a 0.7 percentage point decrease compared to 13.8 per cent in July 2014. Over the period, the unemployment rate for males declined from 9.9 per cent to 9.3 per cent and for females from 18.4 per cent to 17.7 per cent. Source Statistical Institute of Jamaica 14
ECONOMIC AND TRADE REVIEW Cont’d EXCHANGE RATE The Jamaican exchange rate for the US dollars stood at J$119.57 as of October 31, 2015. This represented a 3.1 per cent increase from 115.81 in January 2015. The US exchange rate is expected to close off at the end of the year at J$120.00.
NIR
The net international reserves as of September 30, 2015 stood at US$ 2.4 billion, which represented a 31 per cent increase from January 2015. The NIR has been relatively stable since the start of the year, with the highest movement in value recorded was 17.7 per cent increase from January to February 2015.
INFLATION The total movement in prices at September 30th 2015 showed a 2.6 per cent increase. This has been the lowest percentage increase in prices for a nine (9) month period in over ten (10) years. This was due mainly to the reduction gas prices, which led to a reduction in prices for utilities and transportation. Source: Bank of Jamaica
Work of the Secretariat Cont’d PUBLIC RELATIONS AND MARKETING
Interview/Promotions
RESEARCH ASSISTANCE PROVIDED
There were three (3) research requests fulfilled including:
MEETINGS ATTENDED
“Christmas in July” Initiative JMA’s MOU with the Bureau of Standard Jamaica (BSJ) JMA’s position on Unemployment Insurance Support for the Manufacturing Sector-Editorial JMA’s interview on the 47th Annual Awards Banquet
Information on key manufacturing agencies List of distributors of chemical products Market Pointers to Cayman, Turks and Caicos, Belize and Bahamas Meetings attended included: July Business Renewal Workshop 15
Work of the Secretariat Cont’d Medium Term Socio-Economic Policy Framework 2015-2016 – Manufacturing Sector Partnership for Jamaica National Council Retreat Prioritization Workshop for Business Environment – PIOJ National Export Strategy meeting to discuss Phase II implementation matrix. Sensitization on the Revenue Appeals Division Meeting with Ministry of Agriculture on Refined Sugar Meeting with Technical Assistant Team for European Partnership Agreement August Meeting to discuss Jamaica Customs (Amendment) Act Meeting of the Project Steering Committee – Capacity Building NCBJ Impartiality Committee Meeting Launch of the NES 2015 – 2016 Meeting with Jamaica Stock Exchange Representatives Signing of JMA/BSJ MOU September Occupational Safety and Health Tripartite Consultation Workshop – Ministry of Labour Refined Sugar meeting Parliament Joint Select Committee Presentation on Customs Amendment Act 2015 Joint Mission meeting of ITC/UNCTAD Membership meeting on Refined Sugar cess Meeting with IDB on request for information and assistance under the Social Entrepreneurship programme Meeting with DBJ on competitiveness and growth project component Presentation on IGNITE proposal to DBJ Meeting with EXIM Bank on funding for non-collateralized loan to un-lend to SMEs Regional Workshop – In-market liaison services for exporters of specialty foods to the US and EU markets Meeting with IMF representative – Bert Vanselm Courtesy Call on Minister Philip Paulwell Meeting with Sagicor on Credit Card Facility
Upcoming Events
Expo Jamaica -April 14-17, 2016 JMA Export Department-Activities get underway in upcoming months Buy Jamaican Campaign - Activities get underway in upcoming months The Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association (JMA) Ltd. 85A Duke Street, Kingston Tel: 922-8880-3 or 922-8869; Fax: 922-9205 Email: jma@cwjamaica.com; Website: www.jma.com.jm Facebook: www.facebook.com/JMAlimited; Twitter: https://twitter.com/manufacturersja
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