Shelly-Ann Thompson, Staff Reporter

A review of the importation duties and taxes applied to the bakery industry will be conducted by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Investment.

Following a meeting convened yesterday with Commerce Minister Karl Samuda and the Bakers' Association of Jamaica (BAJ), it was agreed that over the next two weeks, importation costs would be examined.

Gerry Chambers, president of the BAJ, said the price of bread could be reduced by five per cent if the 2.5 per cent cess on imported raw material was removed.

"I feel confident and he (Minister Samuda) seems very concerned about what was happening in the industry," said Chambers.

Samuda said his team would review the proposals made by the BAJ and provide a response in a couple of weeks.

"I listened to them attentively and I got their proposal and the team will look at it to see what relief can be brought to the industry to the benefit of consumers," said Samuda.

Earlier this week, the BAJ highlighted several issues affecting the industry and claimed that without the Government's intervention, there could be a shutdown of the sector.

Chambers said in 10 months, nine bakeries had had to close their doors.

Other reasons being cited for the current decline in the industry are rising wheat prices on the world market and increasing transportation costs.