KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaica Coalition of Service Industries (JCSI) has been elected to the post of Executive Chair of the Caribbean Network of Service Coalitions (CNSC) at the regional entity’s recently concluded general meeting on March 19 in Barbados.
Marjorie Straw, head of the JCSI Secretariat and Special Projects Manager at JAMPRO, is now serving as the head of the CNSC’s Executive Committee. Founded in 2007, the prime objective of the CSNC is to increase awareness of issues related to services in the region and provide technical support to newly-formed national coalitions. Its membership currently stands at 16.
Globally, trade in service exports has increased steadily over the past decade and is currently valued at over US$4 billion annually, according to the International Trade Centre’s “Trade Map for International Trade Statistics”. Jamaica’s services sector currently contributes over 70% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
The services industry has been identified as a priority area for the Government of Jamaica, and is a key component of Vision 2030, the national development plan, and the Medium Term Economic Framework. Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, JAMPRO’s Acting President, noted that JAMPRO’s work in developing the JCSI was born out of the recognition of the importance of the services sector to Jamaica.
“We believe that services are crucial to the country’s future, especially as we position the country as a global logistics hub,” stated Dr. Morris Dixon.
The overarching mandate of the JCSI is to expand Jamaica’s service exports. This will be achieved through the implementation of a Services Sector Strategy and Expansion Plan, which was finalised in March 2013. The plan identifies six priority areas for development, namely Management Consulting, Offshore Medical Education, Health and Wellness Tourism, Medical Tourism, Creative Industries/Music and Information and Communication Technology. It was developed with the input of key stakeholders from the private and public sector, and supported by the DFID CARTFund, administered by the Caribbean Development Bank.
JAMPRO continues to work with public and private stakeholders to create the legislative and regulatory framework to facilitate the growth of the services sector.
“JAMPRO is committed to working closely with the regional services coalitions to strategically position the services sectors, particularly in the Creative Industries and Professional Services,” stated Dr. Morris Dixon.
