Vaz Says JAMPRO Critical to New Ministry

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Office of the Prime Minister, Hon. Daryl Vaz, says  that JAMPRO, as the investment arm of the Government, will play a critical role in fulfilling the mandate of the newly created Ministry.

“I think we have a lot to work with in terms of the economic growth and job creation mandate that the Government has as its priority. So, it’s a matter now of just appointing a good strong Board to give all the support to the JAMPRO staff,” the Minister said.

Mr. Vaz was speaking at a meeting with JAMPRO executives yesterday (March 15), at the agency’s New Kingston offices.

The Minister pointed out that a new Chairman has been identified to head the Board of Directors to be appointed for JAMPRO.

While he did not reveal the name of the individual, he assured that he is a successful professional, who has his own ideas for the further advancement of  the agency.

The Minister told the JAMPRO officials that they will be amply assisted by a Board that will not necessarily be large in number, but agile and efficient.

“I think that in itself will give you the vision and the tools, because you will be really using minimal Government resources (as) you will get a lot of additional support from private sector partnerships and properly structured (investment) road shows,” he said.

During the meeting, President of JAMPRO, Diane Edwards, provided the Minister with key information about the work of the agency, and matters that need  his  immediate input.

The Minister pledged to provide all the support the agency required.

Prior to the meeting, the Minister toured the facility and met staff from the various departments.

JAMPRO is the Government’s trade and investment agency that promotes business opportunities in export and investment to the local and international private sector.

In facilitating the implementation of investment and export projects, the organisation is a key policy advocate and advisor to the Government in matters pertaining to the improvement of Jamaica’s business environment and the development of new industries.