Author Archives: donovan.saunches

Thirteen microcredit institutions that provide financing to individuals and micro, small and medium-size enterprises (MSMEs) have been licensed since the implementation of the Microcredit Act, 2021. “We have over 100 microcredit institutions that have applied to be licensed, and that’s a process that will take some time,” said Minister of Finance and the Public Service,Continue reading “13 Microcredit Institutions Licensed”

The Companies Office of Jamaica (COJ) is looking to enhance its products and services during fiscal year 2023/24, to boost customer satisfaction.  Details of this undertaking were shared by the entity’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Acting), Heather Sutherland, who participated in a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’ at the Agency’s head office in Kingston,Continue reading “COJ Announces Plans for Fiscal Year 2023/24”

PRESIDENT of the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA), John Mahfood and Aswad Morgan, chairman of the organising committee of Expo Jamaica 2023, on Thursday evening both welcomed the Government of Jamaica’s (GOJ)sponsorship of the “largest trading show in the English-speaking Caribbean” through the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC). Expo Jamaica, which willContinue reading “‘This a true partnership’ JMEA welcomes Gov’t sponsorship of Expo Jamaica 2023”

President of the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA), John Mahfood, says the Jamaican economy is ripe for business and is urging investors to take advantage of the many opportunities that are available.   Addressing the opening ceremony of the Expo Jamaica 2023 tradeshow on April 27 at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston, Mr.Continue reading “Jamaica Ripe for Investment – MAHFOOD”

In the 61 years between 1960 and 2021 Jamaica produced a positive trade balance in only one of those years. That was a very long time ago in 1966. Over that 61-year period, our trade balance has become progressively worse, and it is a serious and depressing drag-weight on Jamaica’s economic growth performance. Since 1966Continue reading “Jamaica must export a lot more”

The staging of Expo Jamaica 2023 is in keeping with the strategic objectives of the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, aimed at boosting exports and attracting more business to  the country, says portfolio Minister, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill.  “It fits perfectly with our aim to increase exports [and] bring in new investors –foreignContinue reading “Expo Jamaica 2023 Aligns with Ministry’s Business Focus – Senator Hill”

he Jamaica Promotions Corporation (Jampro) said it will be going after newer industries such as the blue economy as it pushes to drive diversification and bring greater value-added for the country. According to the European Commission, the blue economy involves “all economic activities related to oceans, seas and coasts.” It entails the sustainable use of oceanContinue reading “Jampro targets blue economy for growth”

WESTERN BUREAU: Stakeholders in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector are now seeking to identify employees, who require limited supervision, to be a part of the work-from-home regime for companies operating in the special economic zones (SEZs). The arrangement will officially start on January 1, 2024. “Not everyone can work without supervision; there are someContinue reading “BPOs sayonly efficient employees will work from home”

hrough a number of pre-packaged investment opportunities, chief State marketing company Jamaica Promotions Corporation (Jampro) is looking to lure new investors as it pushes to maximise growth for the country. According to Gabriel Heron, vice-president for marketing and opportunity packaging at the promotions agency, the refocused objective of pre-packaging key opportunities as “off-the-shelf structured investments”Continue reading “Jampro packages opportunities to woo investors”

To strengthen Jamaica’s anti-money laundering and counter financing of terrorism efforts, the Government has approved several changes to the Companies Act. The amendments, which were approved on March 31, 2023, have been made based on recommendations from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), in relation to ‘Beneficial Ownership’ information. This follows the first amendment thatContinue reading “Companies Act Amended to Strengthen Anti-Money Laundering Efforts”