THE EDITOR, Sir:I WOULD like to respond to some of the points raised in Dr. Orville Taylor's article 'Unfair international trade' in the Sunday Gleaner of January 23.
Dr. Taylor correctly states that Jamaica needs to earn more from exports. However, he is wrong in saying that industries that are not export-driven are not contributing to the economy. In today's world, both import and export activities are vital to economic survival. Exporters need imported goods and services to earn foreign exchange.
Another point raised by Dr. Taylor is that suppression of workers rights is critical to international competitiveness. Nothing could be further from the truth. For example, Western European countries have very strong workers' rights protections. These countries are among the most successful in international trade.
On the other hand, sub-Saharan African countries have serious workers' rights violations. Some still practise slavery. These countries are among the poorest in the world.
Instead of finding scapegoats for Jamaica's balance of trade problems, proper analysis of the country's policy framework needs to be done. Dr. Taylor has failed to do this.
I am, etc.,
A. PIERRE SOBERS
apsobers@hotmail.com
