PSDP to Embark on Second Phase

Within the next two weeks, the European Union/Government of Jamaica Private Sector Development Programme (PSDP) will be embarking on its second phase, which will see the adaptation of the cluster and sector initiative. This phase of the programme was developed as a means of providing a more holistic and wide ranging assistance to micro, small and medium sized enterprises.
The cluster approach seeks to foster new ways of conducting business through encouraged partnerships and collaborations of organizations working in a particular area.
Being a part of the cluster will facilitate stronger linkages with a wide range of organizations and allows for the sharing of ideas and information relating specifically to marketing and operations, technical skills and facilitate greater access to international donor agencies.
In an interview with JIS News, Project Manager of the PSDP, Delanie Morgan said that private sector organizations would be invited to submit proposals for cluster development activities in four target sectors.
“The four sectors that the PSDP will be targeting are the creative industries, tourism, agri-business and the tourism sector,” she pointed out.
It is anticipated that the interconnection between businesses will build trust and also encourage networking as well as the pooling of resources. “The whole cluster approach is really encouraging companies, support institutions and all the critical entities along similar value chains which have common interests, to collaborate on various activities that will enhance the competitiveness of the group,” the Project Manager explained.
“At the end of the day, we are hoping to support a maximum of 10 clusters going forward between now and the end of the programme in 2009,” she informed.