Formalise, digitise, and export, Hill tells MSMEs

MINISTER of Industry, Investment, and Commerce Senator Aubyn Hill is urging Jamaican entrepreneurs and manufacturers to formally register their businesses, brands, and creative innovations as part of a broader strategy to expand exports and strengthen the country’s presence in the global market.

Speaking at the 12th staging of the Christmas in July Trade Show, Hill emphasised the importance of engaging with Government agencies that protect intellectual property through patents, trademarks and copyrights, arguing that it is a critical step for businesses to compete internationally.

“Test and certify through the Bureau of Standards of Jamaica… so that when a buyer anywhere in the world asks whether your product meets the international specification, the answer is yes. And if you’re using a lab, make sure JANAAC (Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation) registers that lab… Use the agencies. Call us, and we’ll make sure you do it,” said Hill as he delivered his remarks at day one of the two-day exhibition at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston on Thursday.

“Speak to the Jamaican Intellectual Property Office about protecting your brand and your innovations through patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Digitise your systems. JBDC (Jamaica Business Development Corporation): We have $100 million Jamaican dollars, provided by the EU (European Union) to make sure we digitise MSMEs (micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises). Get involved and get some of it,” he said, adding that formalised businesses have increased access to financing and export opportunities.

Hill further pointed out that entrepreneurs who have been formally registered can also benefit from the Protective Input Relief (PIR) scheme, under which manufacturers can import machinery and raw materials without paying heavy custom duties. According to him, more than $88 billion in taxes was waived under the programme last year.

“It’s a lot of money. So if you’re bringing three mixers to start a juice business, register under the PIR and get the benefit. Don’t bother paying the customs duty if you don’t have to,” said the enterprise minister.

He also encouraged entrepreneurs to move beyond focusing solely on the local market and instead identify the needs of buyers and investors globally.

“Stop asking, ‘how do I sell more in Jamaica?’ Just sell more. Don’t ask anymore. This is what you should say: ‘What does a buyer in Bogota in Colombia, Lagos in Nigeria, Nairobi in Kenya, Singapore, in Miami, Atlanta and in New York actually need?’ And can I be the one who supplies it?” said the minister.

Marica Adams from Marcia Adams Beauty Lies Within with son Karen Wilson shows (from left) minsister of state in the Ministry of Tourism Tova Hamilton, Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett, and Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Aubyn Hill her products. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Hill argued that Jamaica’s reputation and brand on the global scene already provides manufacturers with a competitive advantage, but stressed that goodwill alone will not translate into sustained export success.

“What we now need is the discipline to convert that goodwill that everybody has for Jamaica into repeatable export contracts, corporate accounts, and long-term buyer relationships for goods and, just as importantly, for high-value services like design, consulting, financial services, wellness, and digital services that travel just as easily as a bottle of honey or a bottle of apple juice. Quite easy.”

Hill argued that business owners who build internationally competitive enterprises will play a central role in driving Jamaica’s long term economic growth.

“Jamaica’s growth story will be written by entrepreneurs who are prepared to innovate, improve efficiency, create value, and compete globally. When you start to compete, don’t think of the man next door. You have to make sure you win in Jamaica.

“But you really should be thinking, ‘how do I compete against those companies that are selling in Atlanta or selling in London?’ So you think globally. A nation of empowered producers is a nation on the path to sustainable, shared prosperity,” said Hill.

Meanwhile, in declaring the trade show officially open Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett pointed out that it is being held to provide local artisans with a platform to build networks and to participate in boosting Jamaica’s economy.

“Let your products be of such a value that when people purchase, acquire or come in possession of it, in any way, shape or form, they have a conversation that pleases them,” Bartlett said to the room of creatives.

“What a wonderful experience to see 181 exhibitors here today. Let this be the start of a new process. What I call the renaissance of tourism. Tourism 3.0, starting with our local suppliers. Our local people with local ideas, converting to local goods that will now become international and become part of the conversation,” said Bartlett.