FRANKSON(left) and DOUGLAS
LOCAL MANUFACTURING received a boost yesterday with the signing of a cooperative agreement between the Scientific Research Council (SRC) and the Jamaica Manufacturers' Association (JMA), to increase levels of science and technology in the industry and develop value-added products.
Following the agreement's signing at the JMA's Duke Street offices in downtown Kingston, the SRC will assist manufacturers in applying new technologies at concessionary rates. The objectives of the collaboration are to increase productivity and product development.
The announcement came at the end of Manufacturers' Month. Speaking at the signing, JMA President, Doreen Frankson. welcomed the closer relationship with the SRC, which she referred to as Jamaica's premiere science and technology institution. The sector, especially small businesses, she said, was already adjusting well to technological developments.
VITAL TO SECTOR
Ms. Frankson said the agreement would be vital in improving the sector's competitiveness. "At the JMA, we realise that with the pace of globalisation we must aggressively incorporate science and technology into production if we are to build our capacity to supply both the local and international markets," said the JMA president.
She challenged JMA members to ensure it would not be yet another 'fashionable' agreement-signing but to take advantage of the opportunities that it offered.
SRC Chairman, Dr. Conrad Douglas, concurred, adding that science and technology were the most important factors in moving economies from Third World to First World status. He said ten new food products, developed by the SRC, were being made available as part of the cooperation.
"Some of these products could be made available within a year," noted Dr. Andre Gordon, president of the Jamaica Exporters' Association (JEA) and SRC director. Products on show at the signing included tinned mannish water, ackee spread and minimally processed green banana and yam.
The SRC will be offering JMA members concessionary rates in consultancies such as quality management systems, environmental management systems and hazard analysis critical control points.
Ross Sheil
