Importance of National Export Strategy Outlined

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Anthony Hylton, has underscored the importance of the National Export Strategy (NES) in improving Jamaica’s competitiveness on the global market.

Speaking at the NES Phase II Validation Workshop on January 21 at the Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston, the Minister highlighted factors to be considered for the second implementation phase.

“With the end of this first NES, there is a realised need to update and refine the initiatives and redeploy a new National Export Strategy to support the country’s efforts over the next few years,” the Minister outlined, adding that it is imperative for NES Phase II (2015-2019) to “deliver results that translate into growth for our export sector.”

He recommended that phase two has a market-driven approach and take into account the needs of the market and the global trends that influence purchase decisions for products and services.

“It is imperative that our next National Export Strategy identify a range of initiatives that resonate with our exporters and support their growth wherever they are in their different stages of export. It is, therefore, important that we identify and implement the capacity building measures required for a more efficient type of export industry, where distribution channels are efficiently navigated,” Mr. Hylton said.

He also pointed out that Phase II of the NES should be designed to both support and take advantage of the prospect of Jamaica as a world class logistics hub.

“A critical factor in Jamaica’s successful integration into the global economy is the extent to which importers and exporters of goods, services and information are able to access the global supply chain,” the Minister reasoned, adding that “the NES will be instrumental in ensuring that Jamaica is well positioned to benefit from the opportunities that the hub will provide, from increasing the channels and markets for export, to taking advantage of the Special Economic Zones, logistics and industrial parks.”

The Minister also stressed the importance of private and public sector collaboration; an enabling business environment and access to market and trade information as critical considerations for the effective implementation of NES phase two.

The two-day validation workshop (January 21 and 22) will feature discussions and interactive sessions on topics such as: global trends and key international implications for the NES; the NES 2015-2019: supporting exporters and expanding markets; defining solutions to overcome challenges and constraints and identification of specific strategies and detailed actions for cross-cutting industries.

Key participants are Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO); Jamaica Exporters’ Association; Ministry of Industry, Investment & Commerce; Trade Board Limited; Jamaica Producers Group; Commonwealth Secretariat and Tourism Intelligence International.