JAMPRO ready ... achieving 5 in 4 requires Partnership with all stakeholders

The phenomenal display of talent and resilience by our Jamaican athletes at the recently concluded Rio Olympics is representative of the spirit of our people to overcome challenges and be the best in the world.

The goal of realising five per cent growth over the next four years ("5 in 4"), which is for all Jamaicans and not just the Government, will be no easy feat. However, in the words of the great Nelson Mandela, "it always seems impossible until it's done". It is an ambitious growth target that if accomplished, can reposition Jamaica as a country with a "can-do" business environment, while creating more job opportunities for young people.

Increased business confidence

A major pillar for achieving this goal will be increased business confidence, which can be significantly propelled with continued disciplined fiscal management. Such confidence is important to the realisation of export and investment opportunities, which will need to be accelerated through agencies such as Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) to significantly contribute towards the national growth agenda.

JAMPRO, as part of the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, will need to play an even more central role in implementing the Government's growth strategy. As the country's export and investment promotions agency, the corporation is the gateway for doing business in Jamaica facilitating a seamless investment process.

JAMPRO's mission, vision, and business strategy are currently being redesigned to effectively align with Jamaica's growth target. The board of directors is firmly committed to realising this goal alongside the agency's remarkable team of professionals. In this way, the corporation is being repositioned to focus on applying innovative and impactful ways to attract investors and buyers, with an added emphasis on quickly implementing the most viable sector opportunities.

JAMPRO stands ready to do its part in achieving "5 in 4". We believe in the mantra that Together Everyone Achieves More and look forward to the partnership with all stakeholders to help ensure that together, as a country, we can achieve this target.

- Don Wehby is group CEO, GraceKennedy, and chairman, JAMPRO.