Ashford W. Meikle, Staff Reporter
The president of the JMA, Doreen Frankson (left) in deep discussions with the director of transmission at the Jamaica Public Service Company Limited, Garth McKenzie (centre) and Digicel's head of sales, Patrick King (right) at yesterday's launch of the JMA/JEA Expo 2006. - RUDOLPH BROWN/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
THE PRESIDENT of the Jamaica Manufacturers' Association (JMA), Doreen Frankson, says that ultimately it will be the Jamaican consumer who reduces the imbalance in the country's trade deficit.
"As Jamaicans we need to be conscious of our choices when purchasing goods and services. We need to understand the linkages in the economy and be aware that when we make the decision to buy local we are keeping Jamaicans employed," remarked Frankson as she addressed the launch of the Expo 2006 yesterday at her organisation's headquarters on Duke Street in downtown Kingston.
Frankson quoted statistics from the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), which pointed to a trade deficit of US$2.87 billion ($186.55 billion) for the period January to November 2005.
The JMA head noted that based on her observations on a recent visit to Trinidad and Tobago about 80 per cent of the products in T&T supermarkets were manufactured in the twin island republic. Frankson recalled that, save for a few exceptions, she "could not find any Jamaican products on the shelves ... LASCO products were there, Grace products were there but they were not made in Jamaica."
The businesswoman argued that for Jamaica to achieve economic sustainability the country must implement policies that encourage production in the industrial sectors as well.
Frankson noted that the expo is being held against the background of the current "Buy Jamaica" campaign by the JMA. "The campaign which is ongoing represents an aggressive effort to take back our home market for goods and services from offshore influences."
This year's Expo, as has been the case for the past 24 years, is being held jointly with the Jamaica Exporters Association. It was revived in 2004 - after an eight-year absence - and saw some 20,000 visitors. This year the event will be held from April 27-30 at the National Arena and will feature some 250 exhibitors showcasing about 1,500 products drawn from major industries.
CONSOLIDATE GAINS
At yesterday's launch, Frankson emphasised that "This year our aim is to consolidate the gains made in 2004 with respect to building brand awareness for local products at Expo 2006." Concomitant with this message the event's theme will be 'Buy Jamaica, Brand we love.'
She gave the assurance that "At Expo 2006, you will see entrepreneurism at its best ... this year's event will seek to highlight the best of Jamaican manufactured products and our exportable services."
In her address, acting president of the JEA, Marjory Kennedy, noted, "This type of collaboration [with the JMA] can only benefit our country's development effort ... For Jamaica to take its place in world trade ... we have to tackle export with zeal." She reminded the audience "it is important to recognise ... trade is not an end in itself but means to economic growth and international development."
A similar point was made by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry and Tourism, Wykeham McNeill who encouraged the JMA and the JEA to remain vital partners as we pursue the goal of national development. "We want to get to the point where the Jamaican consumers pause and think of the long-term effect of choosing a Jamaican product."
The main sponsor for Expo 2006 is Digicel, which is joined by four other corporate sponsors - the National Commercial Bank, Lithographic Printers, Capital and Credit Financial Group and the Jamaica Public Service Company.
