Dionne Rose, Business Reporter

Left: Karl Samuda says he finds the different agencies too cumbersome to deal with. Errol Chin-Mook, president of the Small Businesses Association of Jamaica, says the idea of a coalition makes good sense. Center: Right: Omar Azan, president of the Jamaica Manufacturers' Association, says his group is open for dialogue on the suggestion. - File

Karl Samuda knew before he became a Cabinet minister that Jamaican companies were represented by a number of different associations who often lobby separately for their members' interests.

But now that he is the minister of industry and commerce, which puts him on the receiving end of their requests, he wishes there weren't quite so many.

On Wednesday, with a hint of frustration, Samuda said the business community was too fragmented and suggested that the 'plethora' of groups unify in their lobbying of the government.

A separate group

"I have to deal with the PSOJ (Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica) as a separate group, I have to deal with the JMA as a separate group," he said while addressing a Jamaica Manufacturers' Association (JMA) forum on the implications of the signing of the CARIFORUM Economic Partner-ship Agree-ment (EPA) held in New Kingston.

"Why can't the private sector embrace the notion that it is time for dialogue to take place in a unified way? Why can't that be done?" asked the minister. "And that is the challenge that I put out today."

At least one trade association thought the minister had a valid point but wasn't sure such a coalition was workable.

"What I will say is the JMA is open for dialogue but ... a trader will never think the same way that a manufacturer thinks," said JMA president Omar Azan.

"There are many areas where there can be collaboration but there are also areas in which we will have issues where we will not agree on."

Samuda's 'challenge' followed appeals from the JMA members to speedily pursue the creation of the so-called 'one-stop' facility for the approval of development plans.

"Well, I just have one thing to say about that," said Samuda, "as Minister of Commerce I would like to have a one-stop-shop for the private sector."

The precise number of trade groups are not known, but the major ones are the PSOJ, JMA, Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Association of Jamaica, Jamaica Exporters' Association and Jamaica Employers' Federation.

Additionally, there are several sector specific and professional associations.

Samuda suggested that the main groups should form one body where they come together and discuss interests affecting each other, and from there formulate their positions before approaching the government to address their needs.

The system now he said was just too 'cumbersome'.

Azan said for the coalition to work, parameters would have to be set up to deal with areas of disagreement.

"I think we can look at it and we can communicate and open dialogue and see what happens," he said.

Edward Chin-Mook, president of the SBAJ, said he was in support of the call made by Samuda.

"The point that he made is a profound one," he said. "The problem is that both the current government and the previous government had everyone coming to them and they really don't know what to do, I see where he (Samuda) has a problem."

Chin-Mook said this fragmentation have had far reaching impact on the SME sector, which he noted is often denied funding from international organisations.

"Right now we are having a lot of aid coming into Jamaica for all sectors, not only small business, but the problem is that it is not being directed properly," he said. "And you know why? It is because of the exact thing that Mr. Samuda spoke about - the coalition. They don't know where to put the money so as a result, you would have money coming for small businesses and it is going to businesses that are listed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange and visa versa."

dionne.rose@gleanerjm.com