Prime Minister Bruce Golding (second left) last Thursday visited the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) booth and listens keenly to Fabian Lyew (left), the JPS key account manager. The occasion was the JEA/JMA Expo 2008, held at the National Arena. Looking on were Omar Azan (second right), president of Jamaica Manufacturers' Association (JMA), and Marjory Kennedy, president of Jamaica Exporters' Association (JEA). Behind the PM is Karl Samuda, industry and commerce minister. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

Manufacturers must work hard to protect Jamaica's name in the international marketplaces, especially in the face of increased global competition.

That was the impassioned plea of Omar Azan, president of the Jamaica Manufacturers' Association (JMA). He was addressing the opening ceremony of the annual trade show of organised by the JMA and the Jamaica Exporters' Association (JEA).

The trade show - JEA/JMA Expo 2008 - was convened fromMay 1-4 at the National Arena in St Andrew.

Azan said "As a nation we must not only be content with exporting our products, but aim to protect Brand Jamaica by investing in trademarks and other intellectual property initiatives, which will add value to our manufactured goods."

Safeguard small enterprises

The JMA president further urged the Government to adopt a local procurement policy which he said would serve to safeguard small enterprises. The policy, he continued, would ensure that a certain percentage of government contracts are awarded to small businesses.

According to Azan, "valuable foreign exchange earnings are lost in instances when our primary school textbook contracts are awarded to overseas companies".

Azan wants Government to revisit the policy of duty-free importation by hoteliers for products that are manufactured locally. He said: "I can assure you that our products are of comparable quality and price structure," he added.

Great turnout

Meanwhile, thousands of Jamaicans turned out on the weekend for the fourth staging of the expo, which came to an end yesterday.

More than 200 manufacturers showcased a wide range of local products at the three-day event.

Ainsworth Riley, export business development manager at the JEA, told The Gleaner yesterday that the event was a success.

Speaking to the issue of the exportation in light of increased food security concerns, he said Jamaica would not be reducing its export levels. Instead, Riley argued, local farmers were being encouraged to produce more for "we can't afford to lose our markets".

Lady Rheima Hall, wife of Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall, fits hats at Cinderella Hats during a tour of the exhibition.

John Minott (left), general manager of Jamaica Standard Products Company, shows his coffee to Karl Samuda (right), Minister of Industry and Commerce; Omar Azan (second right), president of the Jamaica Manufacturers' Association; and Dr Wesley Hughes, director general, Planning Institute of Jamaica, during a tour of the exhibition at the JMA/JEA Expo 2008.

A visitor (right) to the stall of Mandingo Roots tonic wine enquires about the brew.

Karl Samuda, Minister of Industry and Commerce, checks out a mattress of Therapedic Caribbean mattress during a tour of JMA/JEA Expo 2008.

Members of the public view jewellery on display at one of the stalls at the JMA/JEA Expo 2008 exhibition.