JMEA President Calls for Greater Ease of Doing Business in Jamaica

“We can’t afford to make it hard to do business in Jamaica!”

That’s the pronouncement from newly re-elected president of the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association, JMEA, Sydney Thwaites.

He was speaking at the JMEA’s annual general meeting on Thursday.

Mahiri Stewart has that story.

Sydney Thwaites was on Thursday re-elected for a second term at the helm of the JMEA.

In his re-election speech, Mr. Thwaites said the numerous hits the manufacturing and export industries took in his first year as president are evidence that government needs to improve the operational framework for businesses.

Mr Thwaites says making it easier to do business comes with streamlining regulations, and simplifying the processes to start and operate businesses.

He also says improved infrastructure and easier access to financing are needed. Mr Thwaites calls on the JMEA membership to push for improvements.

Mr. Thwaites says other improvements for the industries can come via labour reform, workforce training and competitive tax rates.