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Manufactures and exporters will now be able to access increased levels of funding through the Jamaica Exporters’ Association (JEA)/ Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association loan programme. Under the facility, which is financed by the EX-IM Bank, firms can now access up to $3.5 million. Previously, exporters could borrow up to $2 million, and manufacturers up to $1.5 million. “We are proud to...

Stakeholders from across the region are participating in a five-day workshop examining the need to improve the regulatory infrastructures for radiation safety, and the security of radioactive sources. Speaking at the opening of the forum at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, on Monday June 11, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Anthony Hylton, welcomed the discussion, and emphasised that establishing...

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Anthony Hylton, has underscored the critical role of mentorship to the success of young business leaders. “Business mentors can be invaluable to entrepreneurs and small businesses, helping them avoid mistakes, pointing them to practical solutions and resources and developing confidence levels. Indeed, many would argue that during these difficult times, the role of...

The draft policy for the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector has been completed and will be tabled in the House of Representatives next month. This was disclosed by Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Anthony Hylton earlier on May 31, as he addressed a Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) forum at the Wyndham Kingston hotel. The Minister...

The Junior Stock Market in Jamaica presents a tremendous opportunity for small enterprises to raise capital, in order to expand their businesses and make an even greater impact on employment and economic development. This was stated by Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Anthony Hylton, when he addressed the Women Business Owners/University of the West Indies Seminar, at the...

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Anthony Hylton, says the advancement of the natural fibre industry can be a catalyst for the country’s rural economic development. “This industry offers a strategy for addressing rural development and impacting the livelihoods of its people,” the Minister said. He was addressing the opening of a Caribbean Natural Fibre Symposium at the Jamaica...

Minister of State for Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Sharon Ffolkes-Abrahams, has commended the country’s credit unions for the important role they play in improving the lives of ordinary Jamaicans. She was delivering the main address at the Jamaica Cooperative Credit Union League's (JCCUL) 70th anniversary Strategic Conference awards dinner on Friday (May 25) at the Ritz Carlton Golf and...

The country’s economic programme and the 2012/13 budget, though contractionary, can achieve growth, but will require strong public/private partnership going forward. This was stated by Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Anthony Hylton, as heresponded to issues and concerns expressed at the recently held Public Forum on: ‘The Budget - the Debt and the Future’,  at the University of...

The Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) continues to play a key role in facilitating entrepreneurial activities, with 1,009 clients accessing its business advisory services for the January to March quarter. Of the total, 685 or 68 per cent were new clients, while 423 or 42 per cent represented new businesses. State Minister for Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Sharon Ffolkes-Abrahamsmade...

Silvero Castro can be described as an ardent believer in the Jamaica Employers’ Federation (JEF), having been an active participant at the JEF Convention since its inception 30 years ago. Mr. Castro has never missed a staging of the business convention, which is the largest of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean. It is held annually at the Sunset Jamaica...

Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Sharon Ffolkes-Abrahams, says the Ministry is collaborating with the Ministry of Finance and Public Service to refine implementation of a small business procurement policy. This would require all Ministries and Agencies of Government to procure a portion of their goods and services from micro and small enterprises, she...

Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Sharon Ffolkes-Abrahams, says one of the main objectives of the Ministry is to encourage the development of world class enterprises, which can drive the country’s competitiveness in global markets. "At the same time, we are cognisant of the concerns of the business community about frustrating bureaucratic delays encountered...