Look to Overseas Markets – Industry Minister

Equipment Unveiling & Factory Tour at SEPROD (International Biscuits Limited), Valentine Drive, Kingston, Wednesday, April 27, 2016.

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture & Fisheries, Hon. Karl Samuda, is urging local manufacturers to look towards overseas markets.

Speaking at Seprod’s (International Biscuits Limited) unveiling of its J$285 million state-of-the-art oven and oil spray machine at its Valentine Drive factory in Kingston on April 27th, Minister Samuda noted the level of expansion taking place in areas such as animal feeds, poultry, dairy products, and especially, baking products which increased by some 5.9% in 2015.

“We must look finally to the overseas market”, the Industry Minister urged.

“Let us not become and maintain this myopic vision business. You think you are doing well in Jamaica because you are selling well in Jamaica. But, for the country to grow and expand and to earn the foreign exchange, it is companies like Seprod, led by Paul Scott, that are going to drive that process. You are an inspiration to us the politicians. You are an inspiration to me the Minister. You give me encouragement. You give me a sense of pride in what it means to be a Jamaican entrepreneur”.

Local processing, Minister Samuda stated, creates jobs. However, he pointed out that to facilitate this Government has a role to play in removing bureaucracy so that businesses can go on to do the thing that they know best, “and that is to expand, grow and make profit”.

The Minister gave the assurance that the Government of Jamaica stands squarely behind the local manufacturing sector.

(See Speeches for more)

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