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THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015
T
HE GOVERNMENT has identi-
fied special sectors that are
deemed advantageous in grow-
ing our economy over the long-term.
These include agriculture (and agri-busi-
ness), logistics, tourism, IT and business
process outsourcing (knowledge servic-
es). In promoting Jamaica as the place to
do business, JAMPRO – the national
investment and export promotion agency
– has been mandated to extend the coun-
try’s image beyond that of a tourist desti-
nation.
In doing this, the organisation has con-
tinued to launch numerous marketing
and sales initiatives globally in an effort
to build brand equity around Jamaica as a
business destination; and showcase trade
and investment opportunities available in
Jamaica.
In addition to the priority sectors outlined
by the Government, JAMPRO is also
responsible for promoting the creative
industries, manufacturing, mining, energy
and the professional services sectors.
Jamaica has significant brand equity
way beyond its natural beauty and
appealing culture, so much that global
investor interest has been growing in
areas beyond tourism. Business process
outsourcing (BPOs), manufacturing and
agri-business are notably growth sectors,
and with Jamaica’s deliberate positioning
as the next global logistics hub it is
expected that investor interest will accel-
erate.
JAMPRO’s role is to capitalise on these
opportunities by leading the process of
transforming the business landscape and
promoting Jamaica’s strong competitive
advantages.
Under the Business Environment
Reform Agenda, the NCC is scheduled to
implement a minimum of 20 reforms over
a period of three years.
Among them are the amalgamation of
statutory deduction payments, online
payment of taxes, the establishment of
credit bureaus and credit score systems,
harmonisation of planning and develop-
ment application forms and secured
transaction framework for movable
property.
With some of the reforms already
implemented, key international busi-
ness indexes, including the Doing Busi-
ness Report, Global Competitiveness
Index and the Logistics Performance
Index have reported significant
improvements.
JAMPRO recognises the importance of
identifying and developing new industries
in order to facilitate Jamaica’s long-term
growth strategy. As such, the organisation
undertakes ongoing research to inform the
development of new sectors in Jamaica.
Logistics, electronic and light assembly,
medical cannabis, health and wellness
tourism are a few projects pioneered over
the last few years.
The BPO sector is one of the emerging
industries that have witnessed positive
economic growth and employment gener-
ation in recent times. The industry grew
from five firms to a record 36 firms over a
short period and currently reflects
employment of over 17,000 Jamaicans
and revenues in excess of US$230 million.
Jamaica is rated among the best in terms
of talent, cost and telecommunications
infrastructure.
CONTRIBUTED
The Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment’s Tourism Linkages hub has been partnering with JAMPRO and
other entities to strengthen linkages between tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, entertainment and other sec-
tors of the economy.
FACILITATING JOBCREATION
ANDECONOMICGROWTH
JAMAICA HAS SIGNIFICANT BRAND EQUITY WAY BEYOND ITS NATURAL
BEAUTY AND APPEALING CULTURE … GLOBAL INTEREST IS GROWING