Industry Minister Wants Closer Working Relationship Between Govt. and Academia

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Anthony Hylton, is advocating for a closer working relationship between academia and the Government in formulating policies to boost investment and business confidence in the country.

Mr. Hylton said the administration remains committed to create a modern enabling environment for business and enterprise to flourish.

This, he emphasised, can only be achieved through a strong working relationship between academia and the Government.

Addressing the launch of the Mona School of Business and Management inaugural conference at the Western Jamaica Campus of the University of the West Indies on January 7, the Minister noted that the Ministry is currently preparing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that calls for a collaborative partnership with the Mona Business School and Management in a number of areas involving business and private sector development.

“Indeed, the bases for our policies ought not to be subjective or formulated from the seats of our pants or the pleat of our skirts. It is for this reason that I strongly encourage a close working relationship and collaboration between academia and Government,” the Minister added.

Mr. Hylton said the administration clearly understands the role and value of partnerships with the academic community as several members currently serve on the Boards of Government agencies, with some serving in the capacity of Advisors to Ministers and Ministries.

He pointed out that the implementation of legislative and administrative reforms, aimed at improving the business investment climate, forms part of the Government’s efforts to make Jamaica more investment friendly.

“The Government has been steadfast in implementing legislative and administrative reforms that are critical to improving the business/investment climate. Bringing viable projects to markets that can create jobs and add value, is the hallmark of the process of driving economic growth and the development of the economy,” Mr. Hylton said.

The Minister emphasised that the business environment must be able to foster entrepreneurship, attract investments and encourage the development of products and services.

Mr. Hylton said the two-day business conference, which has attracted stakeholders from several sectors, is a step in the right direction.

“It is my firm belief that events such as this, which seek to address key issues affecting businesses…are invaluable to charting the right direction in support of business and enterprise,” he argued.

The conference, which is being held under the theme: ‘Breaking the barriers, competitiveness and development’, has attracted participants from 12 Caribbean countries, including Jamaica.