The Jamaica Manufacturers’ and Exporters’ Association, JMEA, says the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic is exposing the need for the country to implement what it’s describing as a ‘real’ national export policy.
JMEA President Richard Pandohie, says the global health crisis should provide the impetus to replace the existing export policy, which he says has failed to get the job done.
Mr Pandohie says the decline in the tourism sector and daily curfews, have been major blows.
He says that’s affected people’s disposable incomes and has made it more challenging for several companies to sustain production.
He says there’s been no noticeable decline in foreign exchange used to purchase raw materials for manufacturing.
Several stakeholders have raised concerns about food security, amid the health crisis.
But, Mr Pandohie says that should have been a major concern long before now.
It’s why he’s calling on the government to implement policies aimed at diversifying the economy to create more resilient growth.
