2009-11-30
Samuda Calls for Collaboration between Private and Public Sectors
NES Resource Mobilisation Forum
Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Karl Samuda (right) speaking with World Bank representative, Badrul Hagne (left) at the opening session of the National Export Strategy (NES) Resource Mobilisation Forum, on November 19, at the Jamaica Trade and Invest (JTI) offices, Trafalgar Road, Kingston. Looking on are JTI President, Sancia Bennett Templer (2nd left) and executive director of the International Trade Centre (ITC), Patricia Francis.
Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, the Hon. Karl Samuda, has suggested a collaborative and coordinated approach by the public and private sectors for the success of the National Export Strategy (NES).
Addressing the opening session of the NES Resource Mobilisation Forum, at Jamaica Trade and Invest (JTI), New Kingston, on November 19, Mr. Samuda said that the strategy has touched the nerve of the problems and identified solutions, but needs cohesion and collaboration between the private and public sectors to succeed.
He said that this collaborative approach should include identifying methods of taking advantage of the assets which the country boasts, and facilitating the business community, particularly manufacturing, in terms of the things that are needed to export and earn foreign exchange.
"We have not been able to adopt a sufficiently coordinated approach to dealing with the challenges that face us, in getting things done as quickly as possible," he admitted.
He said that the NES forms a great hub, around which much can be built, and which can encapsulate the main features to assist the country on a path of growth and success.
He added that the path to this success and growth is a shared responsibility, which requires both sectors to explore all avenues, lock off all escape routes and look at possibilities in a different and contemporary way.
The resource mobilisation forum was aimed at raising awareness of NES, as well as to reinforce the need for financial support for the prioritised activities and, ultimately, garner crucial funding from donor agencies and organizations.
The NES, which is being implemented by the Jamaica Exporters' Association (JEA) and Jamaica Trade and Invest (JTI), is a unified private/public initiative that seeks to maximise the export sector's contribution to economic and social development.