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Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the motion in this truly historic 2013/2014 Sectoral Debate. The successful negotiation and signing of the 4-year Extended Fund Facility Agreement with the International Monetary Fund, has now shifted the nation’s attention from issues of macroeconomic stability, to growth and development. This focus on growth and development is critical, if the country is...

Local exporters will be further enabled to take advantage of market opportunities and increase their export earnings with an expansion of the ‘Export Max: Enterprise Development Programme’. A sum of $54.9 million has been set aside for Phase II of the project, which will provide technical assistance to an additional 10 companies. Industry, Investment and Commerce Minister, Hon. Anthony Hylton,...

State Minister for Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Sharon Folkes Abrahams, says there will be limitless opportunities for Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) when the Government’s Global Logistics Hub is developed. “Among the many advantages of the development of a logistics hub are job creation and small business development. In most cases, the bulk of the transportation and logistics...

The Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce has been on a relentless drive to improve the country’s intellectual property (IP) framework as a crucial part of the growth agenda. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Anthony Hylton, said the thrust has included developing and passing new legislation; modernising the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) to make it more efficient and effective; identifying, protecting...

Investors have expressed a willingness to pump over US$9 billion in the Government’s Global Logistics Hub initiative. This was disclosed by Chairman of the Logistics and Investment Task Force in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Dr. Eric Deans, who noted that with this initiative, Jamaica has the opportunity “to attract the best investors, contractors and developers.” Dr. Deans...

Investment promotion agencies across the region are being urged to strive for greater effectiveness in the delivery of investment facilitation services so as to attract and retain foreign direct investment (FDI). The call came from Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Anthony Hylton, as he addressed the opening of the Caribbean Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (CAIPA) training workshop...

The Jamaica Logistics Hub Initiative is quickly gaining traction with potential international investors, who have expressed interest in partnering with the Government, and investing in the initiative. Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Anthony Hylton, says the recent Government/Private Sector mission to the Middle East was a “phenomenal success”. The seven-member delegation met with several influential players in Kuwait...

Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises(MSMEs) are to benefit from some $439 million, which the Government has earmarked for fiscal year 2013/14, to facilitate growth and development in the productive sector. Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Anthony Hylton, said that 57 per cent of the funds, allocated through the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ), are slated for the Credit...

Industry, Investment and Commerce Minister, Hon. Anthony Hylton, has offered to meet with stakeholders in the Micro, Small and Medium sized Enterprise (MSME) sector, to discuss how they can contribute to the global logistics hub initiative, as well as the mutual benefits to be derived from it. Speaking at an MSME Alliance public forum on the topic: ‘MSMEs Waiting to...

The proposed Micro, Small and Medium Sized Enterprise (MSME)/ Entrepreneurship Policy, is expected to be tabled in Parliament by June. Industry, Investment and Commerce Minister, Hon. Anthony Hylton, whose Ministry is piloting the policy’s formulation, says in light of the 2013/14 Budget Debate, slated to get underway on April 18, and continue into May, it is unlikely that there will...

Work to develop the Global Logistics Hub Initiative during this year, is to be boosted significantly by the provision of $50 million in the 2013/14 Estimates of Expenditure, which were tabled in the House of Representatives on April 4. The allocation has been earmarked to purchase equipment, and finance the provision of services, among other inputs, to continue work already...

The Government of Jamaica has signed a letter of intent with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), for the extension of the PRIDE Jamaica Programme, which is expected to bring about continued improvement in the tax administration system. The Promote, Renew, Invigorate, Develop, and Energize (PRIDE) Jamaica project, which is being funded at a cost of US$1.7 million,...