State Minister in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Dr. the Hon. Norman Dunn (centre), examines a chair made from bamboo by Superchard and Sons Furnishing Company, which is situated at the White Marl Complex, in St. Catherine, on January 8. Looking on (from left) are: Director of Special Projects, Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ), Gladstone Rose, and Managing Director of the entity, Superchard Singh.
The Government is looking to forge stakeholder partnerships aimed at maximizing the potential of Jamaica’s bamboo industry.
State Minister in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Dr. the Hon. Norman Dunn, says discussions are underway with several overseas investors with a view to securing their support to expand the sector.
Additionally, he said the Government is looking to partner with a United States-based university to explore the possibility of manufacturing more products from the plant.
These engagements, Dr. Dunn pointed out, are being spearheaded by the Ministry.
He was speaking with JIS News during a tour of Superchard and Sons Furnishing Company at the White Marl Complex in St. Catherine, on January 8.
The entity uses local bamboo to manufacture furniture, and is advanced in establishing a research and training centre to facilitate the technology’s transfer.
In praising the entity for its focus, Dr. Dunn said local innovators, like Superchard, can potentially help Jamaica emerge stronger from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
He pointed out that innovators have demonstrated through their engagements that they have the knowledge, among other inputs, to facilitate this.
“We believe that the time is right for persons to invest in Jamaica, and we see a great example here [in Superchard and Sons],” the State Minister said, while encouraging consumers to purchase more locally manufactured products.
“We import too much, and we can manufacture [many of the imported products] right here [in Jamaica]. We are encouraging you [Superchard], as we are encouraging other manufacturers and innovators in Jamaica, to come forward and produce world class, quality products that we believe can stand the test of time and scrutiny anywhere in the world; this is the right time to invest,” Dr. Dunn stated.
The State Minister further pointed out that by virtue of Superchard also utilizing local lumber to manufacture high quality products, demonstrates the entity’s “tremendous” export potential.
Source: JIS
Welcome to the official website of the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce.
The Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce is described as Jamaica's "Business Ministry." It's mandate is to lead the development of policies that will create growth and jobs, while achieving social inclusion and consumer protection. The Ministry, working its stakeholders is primarily responsible for business policy development, monitoring and evaluation, while giving direction and oversight to a cluster of implementing departments and agencies.
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