EU Programme to Establish Digital Transitioning Centres and Offer Training to 2,700 MSMEs

The European Union (EU)-funded €1.7-million Digitalisation Programme will establish nine Digital Transitioning Centres and offer training to 2,700 micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), to improve efficiency and productivity and enhance competitiveness.

This is part of the Government’s continued economic growth and export drive, which aims to work with local manufacturers and service providers, including those within the MSME sector to achieve this mandate.

This was disclosed by Custos of Kingston, Hon. Steadman Fuller, who delivered the Throne Speech at the Ceremonial Opening of Parliament for Fiscal Year 2025/26, on Thursday (February 13), at Gordon House.

Custos Fuller was deputising for Governor General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen.

The drive is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce.

“The export thrust includes activities to develop existing and find new markets for Jamaican products and services,” Custos Fuller said.

He pointed to notable achievements within the MSME sector, including the registration of 80 businesses, to date, through the Export Jamaica platform.

“This platform, which was launched to provide market intelligence, global access, and compliance information on over 190 countries, has attracted 2,400 visitors, and 10,000 page views,” the Custos said.

In addition, the Ministry’s MSME Business Roadshow engaged more than 1,200 participants, offering grant funding and business support, with phase two under way, while in manufacturing, Custos Fuller said the Government provided $78.9 billion in duty relief to businesses under the Productive Inputs Relief Programme, which seeks to reduce business costs and boost productivity.