2009-10-01
Industry Minister to Meet with Hotel Sector
Minister of Industry, Investment & Commerce, Karl Samuda is to convene a meeting shortly with members of the hotel sector to gain an understanding of their general attitude towards Jamaica’s local industry, and the extent to which they are engaged in the purchase of locally-produced goods.
Minister Samuda told a press conference today that his initiative resulted from complaints from local manufacturers that “there’s not sufficient willingness on the part of new players entering the hotel industry to avail themselves of the opportunity to purchase locally-produced goods of high quality, competitively priced,” and for which consistent supplies could be assured.
Citing the case of a leading bedding manufacturer, the Minister said he was disturbed that a local player was invited to tender on a job; and had provided mattress samples which were returned in the sealed packages. Mr. Samuda noted that, based on the evidence, it appeared that the products had been rejected, without the benefit of proper inspection and testing.
The Industry & Commerce Minister noted that the tourism industry is part of the export sector since it earns foreign exchange. Importantly also, he said, the local manufacturing sector should be recognized as an integral part of this export community, based on its potential to save vitally-needed foreign through locally-purchased goods.