Gov’t committed to development of MSME sector – Minister Shaw

Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Hon. Audley Shaw, has underscored Government’s commitment to the development of Jamaica’s MSME sector, noting that data have shown clearly how important and pivotal this sector is to the economy and economic growth, therefore, it should be taken seriously.

Minister Shaw was speaking at the first quarterly meeting of the recently established MSME National Policy Implementation Committee (NPIC), held at the Knutsford Court hotel in Kingston on September 25, 2018.

According to the Minister, the establishment of the national policy implementation committee is testimony of the Government’s continued commitment to the development of the MSME sector, which augurs well for sustainable and inclusive national development.

He stated further that the role of the Government is to establish and implement policies and programmes to enhance the productivity, competitiveness, innovation and sophistication of these enterprises to maximize their contribution to the growth and development of the economy.

“As Government, the more we facilitate and strengthen opportunities for our entrepreneurs to do business, the greater the country’s capacity to expand economic growth and create employment. This is a pivotal step on the pathway to prosperity”, said Minister Shaw.

Meanwhile, Principal Director of the MSME Division, Mr. Oral Shaw, who gave an update on the developments within the MSME sector, informed that “the Ministry will continue its model of participatory and inclusive stakeholder-driven results-based implementation, while leveraging its support of all partners”.

The National Policy Implementation Committee (NPIC), which was launched on June 14, 2018 by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, constitutes a wide range of stakeholders spanning the private and public sectors, civil society, academia and associations.

The committee will be responsible for oversight, coordination and implementation of activities of the MSME and Entrepreneurship Policy and, will meet on a quarterly basis to receive updates on activities being pursued in the MSME sector. Guidance and secretariat support will be provided by the MSME Division of the Ministry.