Category Archives: News

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”

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”

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”

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”

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”

The Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) will be undertaking several activities during fiscal year 2023/24 to facilitate the use and protection of intellectual property locally. The initiatives include launching a technology innovation support centre as well as a women’s innovation network. This was disclosed by Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment andContinue reading “JIPO Undertaking Activities to Facilitate the Use and Protection of Intellectual Property”

The Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, through the Trade Board Limited, will be establishing an export academy. This facility, work on which is expected to commence in July, is designed to provide free, online information and training for businesses, to boost their confidence to seek out export opportunities. Prime Minister, the Most Hon. AndrewContinue reading “Gov’t to Establish Export Academy”

The Government of Jamaica has partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to boost the island’s international competitiveness in the hot pepper industry. The project, titled, ‘Improving Phytosanitary, Food Safety and Market Access Opportunities along the Hot Pepper Value Chain in Jamaica’, which got under way last year is beingContinue reading “FAO set to fire up hot pepper market”

The Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator Aubyn Hill, is encouraging businesses to implement apprenticeship programmes for unattached youth. His call follows the Government’s desire to address labour shortages across several sectors. Senator Hill says his Ministry supports middle managers and management, but notes that businesses must train and up-skill their people more. HeContinue reading “Businesses Being Encouraged to Implement Apprenticeship Programmes for Unattached Youth”