Exporters
making good progress
By Nicholas Richards, Gleaner Writer
Jamaica Gleaner
Kingston,Jamaica
Petroleumworld.com
06 18 06
OVERALL
GROWTH in the export sector had been steady over
the last five years said, president of the Jamaica
Exporters Association (JEA), Dr. André Gordon.
Over
the period 2001-2005 total exports grew by 29 per
cent, stated Gordon. Non-traditional exports increased
by 13 per cent.
The
biggest contributor to non-traditional exports in
2001 was the apparel industry, he said. "Increases
in (most) non-traditional exports since 2001 were
largely to offset the loss in apparel exports."
The
greatest of these increases came from beverages.
Exports have grown by over 200 per cent since 2001,
he said.
Many
challenges face ackee exporters, Dr. Gordon declared.
This stems mainly from piracy as well as the heightened
safety standards that have been imposed.
"In
2005, we were able to overcome some of these challenges
with ackee, but unfortunately in 2006 we will not
repeat that performance," stated Gordon.
The
coffee industry is beginning to recover, but output
remains below previous highs, he said in his opening
speech at the official launch of national export
week held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Monday.
RECOVERING
FROM PREVIOUS SLUMP
Other
industries, such as minerals, fuels, limestone and
the petrochemical industry were given special mention.
He said the petrochemicals sector was beginning
to recover from a previous slump and "was growing
quietly."
But
amid these advances, exporters continue to face
challenges.
He
said that bureaucracy remained an obstacle, and
lack of proper infrastructure in some instances
has been hampering the operations of several exporters.
But
2006 started well for the export sector, with a
160 per cent increase in non-traditional exports
in January. Traditional exports grew by 2.5 per
cent.
During
the award ceremony, GraceKennedy Limited, J Wray
and Nephew and Petrojam were hailed as top inductees
in the JEA million dollar exporters' club. Petrojam
recording export sales of over $113 million, headed
the list.
Jamaica
Gleaner
Wednesday
| June 14, 2006
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