Executive Director of the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO), Lilyclaire Bellamy, says over the past 15 years the office has lived up to its mandate of establishing and administering a modern and effective intellectual property system. Addressing a JIS ‘Think Tank’ on February 1, the Executive Director said this has created a catalyst for international competitiveness, facilitating economic growth and...

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Karl Samuda, says the Government is determined to create a business-friendly environment where entrepreneurs are given every opportunity to succeed. “We, as Government, must avoid frustrating the business sector so that they can earn as much money as possible and we can collect our fair share, and provide the social services that...

A contract valued at US$2.83 million has been awarded to North Boat Limited for the design, construction and delivery of three 22-knots pilot boats for the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ). Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Ruel Reid, speaking at a post-Cabinet press briefing on January 11, said the boats will be used for service to the public...

The Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association (JMA) is promising that the inaugural Jamaica International Exhibition (JIE) will be a success, offering local business people an opportunity to interact with some of the largest and most important traders worldwide. The trade show, slated for June 1-4 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James, is expected to attract more than 600 overseas...

Chairman of JAMPRO, Senator Don Wehby, says the agency is currently pushing for simpler, more transparent and cheaper avenues for both the importation and exportation of products, to boost investment. This, he adds, includes the streamlining of import and export processes that could see the removal of certain licences and permits that are currently redundant. Senator Wehby, who is also...

President of the Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association (JMA), Metry Seaga, says the manufacturing sector contributed $55.9 billion to the government coffers for 2015/2016, making it the second biggest taxpayer in the country. He said manufacturing continues to be one of the key pillars of economic growth and offers some of the best opportunities for Jamaica to reach its target of US$2.5...

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Karl Samuda, says compliance with quality standards with respect to food and agro-processed products is a key ingredient in both the global and regional markets. The Minister emphasises that Jamaica must continue to address issues such as those related to export inspections and the accompanying procedural obstacles being faced by local businesses,...