Regional manufacturers urged to pool resources

 

Trinidad and Tobago’s Trade Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon has urged manufacturers across the Caribbean to pool resources for their mutual benefit.

Addressing the virtual signing ceremony of the CARICOM Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) last week, she said that these are very difficult times. Foreign direct investment is reducing.

“For our survival, we need investment by our private sector.”

The Minister said moves to improve manufacturing in the region were heartening and must be supported by Caribbean governments.

“There are lots of manufacturing opportunities in the region, but we must increase our interconnectedness.”

Gopee-Scoon said a pooling of resources could benefit regional manufacturers, boost the regional value chain and improve the region’s production base.

Saying the Caribbean offers “endless opportunities”, she also urged better linkages between the agriculture, manufacturing, and retail and distribution sectors.

She called for the creation of a list of the raw material needs/inputs of regional manufacturers plus a platform to facilitate the purchase of these items. The minister also urged the promotion of both horizontal and vertical diversification in such businesses.

Gopee-Scoon suggested a focus on promoting Caribbean niche products such as cocoa. She urged attention on the food and beverage, agriculture and fashion sectors.

“We are excited about the Caribbean brand,” Gopee-Scoon said. “Let’s all celebrate.”

She said she looked forward to a harmonious relationship between business and government. Inviting manufacturers to contact her directly outside of the traditional steps, she said, “Call and ask.”

Guyanese Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Waldron, hailed the association as a regional voice. “There is wisdom in the counsel of others. The CMA will be a think-tank. You’ll achieve great things as a body.”

Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Kamina Johnson-Smith, called for more regional co-operation on agriculture and food security, and reckoned the association could address production-related challenges faced by the region’s manufacturers. “This is where the work starts,” she said.

Guyana Manufacturers’ Association head, Ramsay Ali, said: “We know what the issues are. I’m sure we can deal with them in such a way that all our territories and all our people will benefit.”

Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association Deputy President, Jerome Mills, in reference to the economic fallout from COVID-19, said: “We are all looking for ways to pivot and recover.” He reckoned the CMA could accelerate regional growth by all members working together.

St. Lucia Manufacturers’ Association head, Marguerite Desir, said manufacturers in the region must come together to learn from each other and build together, even as they all face the biggest competitor, that is, the interests from outside of the CARICOM region.

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