Accreditation critical enabler of economic growth – Shaw

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, the Hon Audley Shaw, has emphasised the importance of accreditation to Jamaican manufacturers in the export of their products, identifying it as a critical enabler of economic growth for developing countries like Jamaica.

“If we are to grow, we must therefore learn to play the manufacturing and export game as well as the developed countries,” said Minister Shaw, who stated that export from Jamaica necessitates a robust quality infrastructure as duplicative testing and delays disrupt the supply chain and threaten the stability of the economy.

Minister Shaw was speaking at the inauguration of the 23rd General Assembly of the Inter-American Accreditation Cooperation (IAAC) at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa in Montego Bay, St. James, on August 27.

Noting that according to the World Bank the average balance of trade for Jamaica from 1960 to 2017 is negative 8.66 per cent, the industry and commerce minister stated that “we need a paradigm shift if we want the growth in exports that is necessary to bring about economic prosperity”.
This, he said, requires improving our export potential, which must include our adherence to the rules of the game in the global marketplace.

The minister further noted that there has been an up to 12% growth in world trade since 1983, with the exception of the most recent recession, which is worth over a trillion United States dollars, and this has created more competition in the export market.

He applauded the work of Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation (JANAAC), and said the agency has accomplished much in the past 10 years and that through its services and capabilities, it is changing the way we operate.

“There is no doubt that Jamaican exporters and Jamaican goods are in a much better position with importing countries now more assured that JANAAC- accredited Jamaican labs are competent in the tests that they are performing,” said Minister Shaw.