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The Government has earmarked some $750 million to provide business loans to entities in the micro sector for the 2010/11 financial year, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Karl Samuda has informed. Mr. Samuda told the House of Representatives during his contribution to the 2010/11 Sectoral Debate, today (May 11), that in all, approximately $6.7 billion is available for...

2.0 PRESENTATIONIn my presentation today, Mr. Speaker, my primary focus will be on those aspects of my portfolio that are pivotal to growth, employment and development. As such, I will be speaking to: Our role in creating an enabling business environment;Promoting local and foreign direct investments to generate hard currency earnings and create jobs;Growing the micro, small and medium-sized enterprise...

Businessman, the Hon. Gordon 'Butch' Stewart, has been named the new head of the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO). The announcement was made Tuesday (April 27) by Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Karl Samuda, at a press briefing at JAMPRO, Trafalgar Road, New Kingston. The Minister also named several well known businesspersons as members of JAMPRO's new Board of...

The Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) will be staging a number of activities to mark Intellectual Property Rights Week, from April 23 to April 30. Speaking with JIS News at a session on intellectual property, on Friday (April 23), at the JAMBIC/Morris Entrepreneurial Centre in Mandeville, Manchester, Manager for the Copyrights and Related Rights Directorate at JIPO, Ms. Phillipa Davies,...

Jamaica will showcase the best of manufacturing to the biggest world audience ever, when the country participates in 'Shanghai World Expo 2010', from May 1 to October 31, in China. More than 20 local producers are down to participate in the six-month long expo, which is being held under the theme: 'Better City, Better Life'. The largest trade show in...

The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) has secured some $22.6 million in refunds and compensation for customers between April 2009 and March 2010. Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Karl Samuda, speaking at a recent press briefing at his Ministry's New Kingston offices, commended the Commission, stating that the level of compensation "gives an idea of the tremendous amount of...

Fifty-two employees of the Clarendon-based Jamalco bauxite and alumina company, who have served a total of 1,120 years, were honoured by the company at its Milestone Awards ceremony held last week. At the function held at the Terra Nova Hotel in Kingston, the awardees, who have given up to 35 years of service, were presented with plaques and gifts, while...

President of the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU), Mr. Lloyd Goodleigh, has emphasised that the trade union movement must maintain a high level of professionalism and relevance, which are key elements in a globalised society. "We have to acknowledge that in a globalised world, we are but one major institution in a labour market that we practise industrial relations,...

The Government will be placing increased focus on its Young Entrepreneurs Programme (YEP) in order to encourage more young people to own their own business. State Minister for Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Michael Stern, said today (April 8) that not enough youngsters are taking advantage of the programme, which was launched last year. "We are now moving to make...

The Zoe Life Social Service Centre in Tweedside, Clarendon, which houses a clinic, postal agency and other facilities to serve the community, was officially opened on Sunday (April 4). The centre, which was funded by returned resident Dr. Hyacinth Hue, also has areas for children and the elderly to receive care and counselling. A section of wall inside of the...

The Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, is set to begin a project aimed at enhancing competition in the Jamaican economy in April. The 2010/11 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives has revealed that $8.5 million has been earmarked for the Capacity Building in the Enforcement of Competition Law in Jamaica project. It is expected to improve...

The Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce's Plant Breeding and Diagnostics Technologies project is set to receive a $7.2 million boost this year. This is based on figures outlined in the 2010/2011 Estimates of Expenditure, that was tabled in the House of Representatives on March 25. The project began in 2007 and is intended to use radiation to induce mutation...