“Jamaica Trade Desk News” Theme: Building strategic trust for regional peace! Contact us at (868) 675-8862 Ext. 239 M O N T H L Y
P U B L I C A T I O N
Email: tradeassist@ttma.com I S S U E
1 0 –
J A N U A R Y
2 0 1 4
Message of the President of the TTMA The start of each New Year brings renewed optimism and energy to move forward with plans and initiatives aimed at business growth. As we move into 2014, the TTMA remains confident and optimistic that the manufacturing sector will experience greater expansion and deliver sustainable results over the course of the year.
HIGHLIGHT THE VALUE OF
The Association is moving ahead with initiatives aimed at pushing and strengthening the growth of this country's manufacturing sector and transforming it into a major driver of economic growth.
BUILDING REGIONAL TRUST: Message from the President of the TTMA... INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Implement effective consultation mechanisms to encourage ongoing dialogue. Jamaica and TT to build strategic trust on specific issues...
2
Adopting an open approach to private sector partnerships!
2
Jamaica Logistics Hub: a new age in regional commercial transportation...
3
Nicholas Lok Jack, TTMA President
We look forward to working closely with our members in addressing the concerns that affect their businesses, and with the various government Ministries and competent agencies, with regard to resolving some of the persistent issues hampering the growth of the sector. These include: The need for a reduction in government bureaucracy, The improvement of the infrastructure & regulatory framework, Dealing with the shortage of labour, and The issue of crime and security.
I wish to reiterate the Association's commitment to facilitating trade within CARICOM, with particular attention to addressing the issues regarding trade between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. Our ties are strong, both socially and economically, and we are committed to further enhancing this relationship in the next few months. The Jamaica-T&T Trade Facilitation Desk continues to play an instrumental role in seeking solutions to some of the problems facing importers and exporters from both countries, and we have made significant progress over the past year in this regard. Both TTMA members and companies operating in Jamaica have benefited from the activities and initiatives being undertaken by the Trade Facilitation Desk, and the Association is fully committed to engaging in this process. There were several challenges in 2013, and the TTMA recognizes that there is work to be done with regards to building mutual trust and strengthening the relations between our two countries. We must rise to the challenge with wisdom, be willing to learn from each other and work together, to further reinforce the relationships we have established within the Caribbean region.
Focus on : Dynamic mapping of TT creative industries.
5
Expo Jamaica 2014!
6
On another note, I wish to take this opportunity to invite members of the Jamaican business community to come to Trinidad and Tobago and participate in our 15th Annual Trade and Investment Convention. TIC 2014 promises to be an exciting one, as we have reaffirmed our focus on showcasing this country's vibrant and dynamic manufacturing sector. TIC 2014 will take place from 2 - 5 July, at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya. I thank you and look forward to welcoming our Jamaican colleagues to Trinidad and Tobago for this Convention.
TTMA Launches TIC! CEDA Direct Assistance Grant…
8
Contact us NOW!!!
9
Your Faithfully,
Nicholas Lok Jack
PAGE
2
Jamaica and T&T can build strategic trust on specific issues... The most important prerequisite for strategic partnership, is mutual trust at all levels and among all key institutions. Once this trust is re -established, it is clear that any unpredicted incidents or disagreements over a plan of action, a policy or a tactic would not be able to disrupt the relationship, as happened between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, over the recent years. Many of us are aware that lack of strategic trust has become the major obstacle to the growth of Jamaica and T&T relations, and it is absolutely true that trading issues had reinforced this sentiment. However, there is also a high degree of interwoven interests, as well as a real need for Jamaica and T&T to work together in addressing issues relating to the economy, environment, security and other common challenges to mankind. Whether or not Jamaica and T&T can build strategic trust between them and, assuming that they can, to what extend can such strategic trust reach?
The answer may vary depending on at least three core factors: Firstly, the history of interaction between the two countries; Secondly, the level of mutual acceptance of their respective systems, cultures and international behaviours; And thirdly, their future expectations, such as what common issues they need to address cooperatively and what common interests they must secure and preserve collectively. The Jamaica-T&T Trade Facilitation Desk suggests that if trust-building efforts do not actually change the deeply -held perceptions that each side maintains about the other's national identity, then we are not going to see a meaningful and lasting effect on the degree of strategic trust. That is not to say that exchanges and trying to rack up points on fairly easy issues is not worth doing or will not ultimately have some positive effect. But the types of actions that really change perceptions and then can allow for meaningful and sustainable changes in strategic trust are those that help redefine the relationship or the way that one side looks at the other. Article written by Mrs. Naika Pichi-Ayers– TTMA Jamaica Trade Desk Officer. Email: tradeassist@ttma.com
Adopting an open approach to private sector partnerships! On January 23rd, 2014 the TTMA President Mr. Nicholas Lok Jack, Mr. Paul QuesnelTTMA Director and Mrs. Naika Pichi-Ayers- Head of the Jamaica-T&T Trade Facilitation Desk met with the Members of the Private Sector Working Group (PSWG) on Caricom and Free Trade Arrangements. The PSWG comprises of the following organizations: JCC, JMA, JEA, PSOJ; JAMPRO was a specially invited guest. The meeting was held at the PSOJ Offices in Kingston and chaired by Mr. Howard Mitchell, Chairman of the PSWG. The objective of the meeting was to engage discussions with the TTMA on ways in which to improve and strengthen our trade and commercial relationships and achieve greater efficiency and benefit to Jamaica and T&T. Both parties shared their concerns and anxieties candidly and with sincerity, and the following points were made during the discussions:
The energy issue needs to be settled once and for all and both Jamaica and T&T Private Sectors organizations must cooperatively encourage their respective Governments to do so. Given that Jamaica and T&T are part of Caricom and since the rest of the World wants to deal with them through Caricom, as one trading block, they should make every effort to make it work efficiently.
The Caricom Member‟ States need to know each other and their individual objectives and challenges better. Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago, as the larger economies should lead by example instead of engaging in diplomatic antagonism. It was agreed that the private sector organizations from countries will meet regularly and informally to discuss issues facing each other and strengthen their communication.
Jamaica and T&T should explore ways of cooperation in trading with the rest of the World, so as to obtain greater and more sustainable mutual benefit.
The Region's Private Sectors should participate actively with their Governments in Trade negotiations, to ensure better representation individually and collectively. There is a need for the private sector to be more assertive in expressing their views and needs.
The Private Sector should stand ready to encourage investment in both countries and Jamaican investors should take advantage of the Trade Facilitation Desk as an example of cooperative efficiency.
The PSWG and the TTMA reiterate that they were committed to serve the Caricom Community and strengthen regional integration. Contribution from Mrs. Naika Pichi-Ayers– Head of the TTMA Jamaica Trade Facilitation Desk. Email: tradeassist@ttma.com
PAGE
3
Jamaica Logistics Hub: ushering a new age in commercial transportation (1/2)
The Jamaican Logistics Hub Symposium was held at the Jamaican Conference Centre on January 21st-22nd 2014. This event, and all that was discussed therein, is expected to punctuate the current operating system that characterizes Jamaica‟s present logistical arrangements. The transformation has been conceptualized, and from all appearances, all the major players have a vested interest in the process. Appropriately, Jamaica‟s Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce is spearheading this majestic endeavour, with the collaboration of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce and JAMPRO. While transport development forms the essence of the Logistics Hub, the Ministry has envisioned that this initiative (in the realms of air, sea and land transport) will catalyze new levels of growth in various interrelated productive sectors. Some of these sectors include, inter alia, Labour, Information Communications and Technology (ICT), Tourism and other services, Education, Manufacturing and Business Development as a whole. The elements of the hub embrace the following major initiatives: Dredging of the Kingston Harbour to accommodate 12,500 TEU container vessels; Kingston Container Terminal will be expanded to allow for additional container storage; To the west of Kingston Harbour a dry dock facility will be established to offer maintenance and repair service to ships in the Caribbean; Major expansion works are being targeted for both Sangster International Airport (Montego bay) and Norman Manley International Airport; Vernamfield will be expanded to handle long-haul cargo and passenger aircraft. It has been targeted to be the „Air Cargo Hub of the Future‟ for Jamaica. An Air Cargo/Logistics Site, an Aviation Training Centre and an Aircraft Maintenance and Repair (MRO) will form the nucleus of initiatives to be undertaken at that loca-
tion, which promises to overhaul air transport logistics in the country; The Port of Kingston will be linked with Vernamfield by Highway 2000 which originates a short distance from the Port of Kingston and the Logistics Centre and passes within 5 km of the planned Vernamfield air cargo facility.
What does all of this mean to Jamaica? More profoundly, what message does this send to the rest of the Caribbean and Latin America? To put that question in an overarching context, the following phrase encapsulates the gist of what this hub is intended to represent – Jamaica intends to become the fourth node in logistics hubs across the globe, following in the commercially distinguished company of Singapore, Rotterdam and Dubai. It is also connecting powerfully with the Panama, a country laden with economic potential and bursting at its trade seams in the race to the 2015 canal expansion. Noteworthy in the discussions at the Symposium was the potential for „bureaucratic distortions‟ to undermine the self regulating, free flowing private sector, which cannot survive without efficiency at its core. The strong presence of the private sector – represented amply by the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ), the Jamaican Manufacturers‟ Association (JMA), the Jamaican Exporters Association (JEA), JamPro, Kingston Container Terminals (KCT) Limited and other private sector interests – was refreshing, and they will be plugged into what is described as a Port Community System that also involves the major stakeholder public sector organizations. Jamaica clearly recognizes the value of the private sector as the key driver, and the Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, the Honourable G. Anthony Hylton, must be commended for visualizing this and building it into the fabric of the hub concept.
PAGE
4
… Jamaica Logistics Hub: ushering a new age in commercial transportation (2/2) fit from a regional air carrier that is efficient and that can provide both passenger and cargo services at competitive rates;
Mrs. Naika Pichi-Ayers, TTMA Jamaica Trade Desk Officer, Mr. Paul Quesnel– TTMA Director & Group Corporate Relations Manager at Bermudez Group Ltd. and Mr. Nicholas Lok Jack, TTMA President & Managing Director of Associated Brands Industries Ltd.
The declaration of this Logistics Hub in Jamaica lends itself to at least one major perspective for transport in the Caribbean: the time has come for the private sector to take the lead in re-orienting all major transportation operations. Permit me the liberty to offer a few notions of some changes that can create major ripples in the same direction as the Logistics hub is going:
The development of a regional shipping line to improve the cost conditions in the maritime cargo sector;
The streamlining of our airlines (LIAT and Caribbean Airlines) – it may be a bit radical, and conceivably impossible to attain this, but perhaps an arrangement needs to be considered to create one fully functioning regional airline that properly serves the entire region. This entity would be run by the private sector to more effectively interact with the demand and supply conditions inherent in the global airline industry. In this way, the future of business in the Caribbean will bene-
The creation of a new regional private sector vehicle that builds exponentially on the work done by the Caribbean Association of Industry of Commerce (CAIC) – this vehicle should be designed to attract membership, and investments, from all the major private sector players in the transport, manufacturing, financial and service sectors. The collaborative efforts and collective pool of financial resources made available by this new entity can serve as the genesis for similar revolutionary work being done in the rest of the Caribbean.
Let us face the reality that if we do not unite in response to increasing globalism, the road to economic survival in this era will be almost vertical. Jamaica‟s initiative here ought to trigger a meaningful response by our Caribbean business community, to be viewed as complimenting and augmenting our sister island‟s laudable efforts. The Jamaica Trade Facilitation Desk and its manager, Mrs. Naika Pichi-Ayers, under whose tireless commitment to Jamaica-Trinidad & Tobago relations and the TTMA, were specially invited by the JCC to attend this Symposium. The Trade Facilitation Desk must be highly commended for dynamically tying the chords of our collective trade community together. A renewed call is being made here for all players that are linked to the Trade Facilitation Desk to utilize it fully, maximize its value and support Mrs. Pichi-Ayers, as she vitally supports our respective countries and their mutual interests. An article written by Mr. Marc Sandy TTMA Research Economist. Mr. Sandy can be reached at (868) 675-8862 or via email : research@ttma.com.
PAGE
5
A dynamic mapping of Trinidad & Tobago creative industries (1/2) “Creativity is contagious, pass it on” – Albert Einstein –
Trinidad and Tobago is a nation rich in diverse history and high-spirited cultures. These tools have armed its native people with the creativity and ingenuity to craft various art forms and creative products. The Creative Industries of Trinidad and Tobago has evolved into a dynamic and multifaceted economic sector, employing approximately 15,000 persons. Some of the subsectors at the forefront of this industry include festivals (Carnival), film, fashion and music. As a result of its economic potential and in order to support Pillar Five of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in diversifying the economy away from oil and gas, the Creative Industry has been targeted for strategic development. The Ministry Finance and the Economy has recently incorporated the Trinidad and Tobago Creative Industries Company Limited (CreativeTT) which operates under the auspices of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment to oversee the development of the sub-sectors (film, fashion and music) within the creative industries. Under CreativeTT, three subsidiary companies –FashionTT, FilmTT and MusicTT with the guidance of a strategic plan would work with stakeholders of specific subsectors in building industry capacity to generate income. Carnival
Trinidad and Tobago‟s global popularity for creativity stems from “The greatest show on earth” – Carnival. Trinbago Carnival emerged out of French plantations and their “masquerades”. Carnival has now emerged as a celebration that has brought together various sub-sectors of the creative industries including, fashion, music and film. From midnight robbers to sailors, costume designers use their ingenuity to create beautifully adorned and historically inspired masterpieces. These designs are oftentimes mirrored in modern day Trinbago fashion. Several genres of Trinbago music also serve a critical role during the Carnival season. Calypso, soca, chutney and steel pan can all be heard as masqueraders parade the streets and contenders vie for the various music titles.
Music
The Trinidad and Tobago Music Industry consists of varying musical traditions emerging from a rich, intricately-woven historical background. These include calypso, soca, rapso, steel pan and chutney music. The African music tradition gave rise to calypso, a genre of music that displays topical themes. Soca is characterized by a variation in a soul beat from Calypso. Since the 1970s, there has also emerged Rapso, which reflects influences from African American ghetto culture and Jamaica. Chutney Music developed out of the rural Indian communities such as Penal and Caroni and was later accepted by the social mainstream. Trinidad and Tobago is also internationally recognized for developing the steel pan. This national musical instrument stemmed from discarded oil barrels. The steel pan plays an important role in Trinidadian culture. Rival steel pan bands often played against one another and in 1963 Panorama (steel pan festival and competition) was created to give steel pan musicians a creative outlet in a structured environment. The Panorama, Soca Monarch and Chutney Monarch are among some of the annual music events of Trinidad and Tobago. Fashion
The Trinidad and Tobago Fashion Industry is perhaps best known for its creativity and innovation in design, colours and fabric choice. The fashion industry is diverse and has linkages to sectors such as Carnival, cosmetics and perfume manufacturing, model management, retail, fashion photography and event management. Port of Spain is currently being positioned as a fashion district and the fashion capital of the Caribbean since the city has a thriving retail district and the only cloth district in the region which spans numerous locations between Frederick and Charlotte Streets. Brands emerging in the industry include Janouras Custom Design, Sacha Cosmetics and Kaj Designs. Current initiatives in the fashion industry are geared towards developing local capital and increasing export capacity.
PAGE
6
… A dynamic mapping of Trinidad & Tobago creative industries (2/2) consisted of: 47 pre - production companies, 79 production companies; 5 ancillary services companies, 50 post production companies and 18 distribution companies; and 9 television stations. Trinidad and Tobago can boast of a unique advantage, with its variety of contrasting location sites within close proximity to each other. Products of the local film sector include feature films, documentaries, music videos, television dramas, entertainment programs, commercials, corporate productions and educational programs. In 1970, Trinidad and Tobago produced The Right and the Wrong, the first feature film in English speaking Caribbean. Animae Caribe Animation and New Media Festival, The Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival and Trinidad and Tobago Secondary Schools Short Film Festival are among some of the annual events in the film industry. Christian Boucaud Designs
The Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards has also developed compulsory and voluntary standards in garments, textiles and footwear. Tobago Fashion Weekend and Trinidad and Tobago Fashion Week are among some of the yearly local fashion events. Film
The Trinidad and Tobago film industry is perhaps one of the more developed sub-sectors in the Creative industries. As of January 2012, Trinidad and Tobago film industry
Armed with Trinidad and Tobago‟s rich culture, dynamic people and creative spirit, the Creative Industries are destined for nothing less, than success. The GORTT recognizes the economic, social and cultural significance of this industry and as such has mandated the CreativeTT to collectively manage these subsectors in an effort to benefit from the existing synergies. Contribution from Ms. Kara Enightoola, Business Facilitator at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment. Ms. Enightoola can be reached at (868) 6232931 ext. 2214 or via email : enightoola@gov.tt
Expo Jamaica 2014… Will you be there? www.expojamaica.com.jm
PAGE
7
Trinidad & Tobago Manufacturers’ Association launches TIC 2014! trade deals. Over the years, TIC has facilitated more than US$450 million in trade deals, hosted thousands of international buyers and exhibitors and earned a reputation as the Caribbean‟s largest business-to-business event! TIC takes place at the crossroads of the Americas, in Trinidad and Tobago, the region‟s financial capital and the largest economy in the Caribbean, with strong links to Central and South American companies and businesses from around the globe. The convention is a prime vehicle for enabling market expansion both regionally and internationally. It is a hub for business to business matchmaking, business education and multiSenator the Honourable Vasant Bharath – T&T Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment ple networking opportunities. The TTMA invites you to seize this addressing guest at TIC 2014 Media Launch. opportunity to take your business forThe Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers‟ Association ward. This multi-sectoral tradeshow brings together (TTMA) launched its flagship annual event the Trade and local, regional and international businesses. Exhibitors Investment Convention (TIC). The Media Launch was with thousands of products meet hundreds of buyers held at the Grande Riviere room of the Courtyard at the seeking new suppliers, goods and services. Marriott, located in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. The launch was well attended by Government representa- With structured networking events, a cutting-edge busitives, members of the Diplomatic Corp, major sponsors ness education programme and assistance from an exand media personnel. perienced team on hand to provide expert guidance and matchmaking services, TIC is the perfect opportunity The speakers at the Launch included Rakesh Goswami, to showcase your high quality, value added products Executive VP of Enterprise Services, TSTT and Larry and services. Let the international community see what Nath, CEO, First Citizens. The Feature speaker was Minis- you have to offer – Invest in a booth at TIC 2014. This ter of Trade, Investment and Industry, Vasant Bharath, his investment can yield significant returns for you and message spoke about the government's pursuit of diversiyour business. fying the economy by enhancing the environment in which manufacturers can do business - a message that under**Exhibitor booths are priced as follows: scored support for TIC 2014. The event was hosted by Early Bird Specials are valid until March 31, 2014. Nicholas Lok Jack, President of TTMA. Ramesh Ram- 3m x 2m - 1500 USD [Early bird price – 1300 USD] deen, CEO of the TTMA was the afternoon's master of 3m x 3m – 1800 USD [Early bird price – 1600 USD] ceremonies. 3M x 4m – 2200 USD [Early bird price – 2000 USD] This year marks the 15th Annual convention and the theme is “Creating Opportunities, Driving Growth!” The TIC will take place from the 2nd to the 5th July at the Dr. Joao Havelange Center of Excellence. It provides a unique forum where local, regional and international exhibitors showcase thousands of products to qualified buyers seeking new goods and services. More than 500 international buyers and investors from around the world flock to this Convention every year to take advantage of lucrative investment opportunities and
**Pavilions are priced as follows: Small 6 x 3m x 3m – 9000 USD Large 8 x 3m x 3m – 13,400 USD Contact the TIC Secretariat for more Information Telephone: 1-868-675-TTMA (8862) ext 247 - buyers; ext 223 – sales Fax: 1-868-675-9000 Exhibitors: tic@ttma.com | ticexhibitors@ttma.com Buyers: ticsupport@ttma.com | ticbuyers@ttma.com
PAGE
8
CEDA: Direct Assistance Grant…. Apply NOW!
The Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA) has officially announced the publication of their Call for Proposals for both the Accelerated and Regular Procedures grant facilities under the Direct Assistance Grant Scheme. This scheme is part of the Regional Private Sector Development Programme funded by the European Union under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF). The Direct Assistance Grant Scheme is a reimbursement grant funding facility specifically designed to provide financial assistance to legally registered firms, individuals and Business Support Organisations (BSOs) who have the potential to export their products and services. Grants of up to 30,000 EUROs can be received by firms that meet the eligibility criteria, whose applications are accepted and are exporting or demonstrate their potential to export goods and services from the Caribbean. Eligibility Criteria In order to be eligible for a grant, applicants must: Be a firm (i.e. entity, individual or company) legally registered and operating in a CARIFORUM member state; or Be a legally registered Business Support Organization (BSOs) in a CARIFORUM member state partnering with at least two (2) private sector firms; Be firms trading and operational for at least two (2) years supported by last two years financial statements/ accounts (no start-ups); Be able to finance and sustain their projects fully at the beginning; that is 100% financing is available prior to project initiation; and Be exporting or demonstrate their potential to export goods and services. Eligible Projects Applicants may seek funding for any of the following projects, this list is for guidance only and is not exhaustive:
Equipment modernization Food safety standards/certification/regulations; Research, Development and Innovation; Advisory services; Product and service development; Marketing services and activities (e.g. trade fairs participation, trade mission and in-market activities); Quality and environmental systems; Promotional material (e.g. brochures, catalogues, CDs and videos); Training programmes; Implementation of IT solutions (e.g. website, ecommerce and multimedia); Market research and testing; Packaging, design; Intellectual Property activities (e.g. brand registration and patents).
Funding Amounts Available
Regular Procedures – Maximum €30,000 Accelerated Procedures Maximum €5,000 No grant reimbursement may exceed 70% (€30,000 for the Regular Procedures or €5,000 for the Accelerated Procedures) of the total project cost. Applicants must finance their projects from their own resources or their partners. Financing may not be awarded retrospectively for projects initiated prior to the award of a grant.
Deadline for this Call for Proposals is March 7 th, 2014 and more information about the Direct Assistance Grant Scheme can be found at www.carib-export.com Contact: Kirk Brown, Senior Grant Advisor (kbrown@carib-export.com) or Celestine Moe, Grant Advisor (come@carib-export.com), Caribbean Export Development Agency, Tel: (246) 436-0578, Fax: (246) 436-9999
PAGE
9
Message from the Jamaica-T&T Trade Desk Officer!
Have you ever wanted to export to Trinidad and Tobago? The Jamaica– T&T Trade Facilitation Desk can assist you with the following:
Inform Jamaican businesses (among others) about import regulations & entry requirements into the Trinidad and Tobago‟s market, as well as representing their interests; Assist Jamaican companies with regulatory agencies‟ relations in complying with TT regulatory standards, and offer strategic input and technical guidance on requirements; Assess Jamaican firms‟ potential in the local market, provides market intelligence and value added advice on the opportunities and challenges of doing business in TT; Advice on upcoming events such as trade fairs, conferences, workshops, seminars and trade missions; Encourage networking and facilitating business match-making with T&T companies to boost investment and trade; Undertake consultations with prospective exporters, business support organizations and representatives of the public sector institutions that play key roles in the export process in TT and Jamaica; Address main areas of concern and key issues to the relevant trade institutions & regulatory agencies in T&T and Jamaica (intermediating with such arms as customs, the standards authorities, and helping with negotiating the bureaucracy) and offering support solutions; Assist in the coordination of visits and trade missions to T&T (planning, ground support and follow up). Proactively build networks and alliance between parties to facilitate trade relations and foster partnerships between Jamaican institutions and local counterparts; If you have additional questions or if we can be of any assistance, please feel free to contact: Mrs. Naika Pichi-Ayers, Jamaica-T&T Trade Desk Officer and Editor of the Newsletter at: (868) 675-8862 Ext. 239 Email: tradeassist@ttma.com