Nicholas Richards, Gleaner Writer
GORDON
OVERALL GROWTH in the export sector had been steady over the last five years said, president of the Jamaica Exporters Association (JEA), Dr. André Gordon.
Over the period 2001-2005 total exports grew by 29 per cent, stated Gordon. Non-traditional exports increased by 13 per cent.
The biggest contributor to non-traditional exports in 2001 was the apparel industry, he said. "Increases in (most) non-traditional exports since 2001 were largely to offset the loss in apparel exports."
The greatest of these increases came from beverages. Exports have grown by over 200 per cent since 2001, he said.
Many challenges face ackee exporters, Dr. Gordon declared. This stems mainly from piracy as well as the heightened safety standards that have been imposed.
"In 2005, we were able to overcome some of these challenges with ackee, but unfortunately in 2006 we will not repeat that performance," stated Gordon.
The coffee industry is beginning to recover, but output remains below previous highs, he said in his opening speech at the official launch of national export week held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Monday.
RECOVERING FROM PREVIOUS SLUMP
Other industries, such as minerals, fuels, limestone and the petrochemical industry were given special mention. He said the petrochemicals sector was beginning to recover from a previous slump and "was growing quietly."
But amid these advances, exporters continue to face challenges.
He said that bureaucracy remained an obstacle, and lack of proper infrastructure in some instances has been hampering the operations of several exporters.
But 2006 started well for the export sector, with a 160 per cent increase in non-traditional exports in January. Traditional exports grew by 2.5 per cent.
During the award ceremony, GraceKennedy Limited, J Wray and Nephew and Petrojam were hailed as top inductees in the JEA million dollar exporters' club. Petrojam recording export sales of over $113 million, headed the list.
