Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Karl Samuda, says the Ministry will continue to work with critical stakeholders to enable them to capitalise on opportunities in the export market.
He said a key role of the Government is to promote Brand Jamaica to the world and identify new trade and investment opportunities in order to spur economic growth.
Minister Samuda was addressing the Jamaica Exporters’ Association (JEA) ‘Fantastic 50 Exporters’ Awards Banquet at the Spanish Court Hotel in New Kingston on Saturday (July 2).
He called for increased investment in the export of processed and packaged goods made from raw materials “rather than continuing to import finished goods that add no value other than a minimal amount of labour in the process”.
The awards banquet was held to recognise 50 companies that have made significant contributions to Jamaica’s export performance.
Minister Samuda hailed JEA for undertaking the awards programme, noting that “more than ever, greater focus must be placed on growing our economy through exports”.
“The 50 companies, by their performance, their success stories, can serve as an inspiration to other Jamaican companies seeking to enter the export market, thus leading to future economic growth,” Minister Samuda said.
He also praised the JEA for representing the interests of exporters for the past 50 years, and encouraged members to “continue to lead us on the path of export-led growth”.
The 50 companies recognised by the JEA comprise a diverse group of Jamaican exporting businesses as well as the companies that support them in their efforts to place Brand Jamaica on the global map.
Among the awardees were Lasco Manufacturing Limited; National Baking Company Limited; Red Stripe; Salada Foods Jamaica Limited; Caribbean Broilers Group; AG Chem Plant Limited; Honey Bun Limited; Jamaican Teas Limited; and Ex-Im Bank.
The awards programme was launched as part of celebrations for the JEA’s 50th anniversary this year.
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