FRANCIS Kennedy was elected as President of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) yesterday.

Kennedy, who previously served as first vice-president, replaced Milton Samuda at the JCC's Annual General Meeting.

Kennedy in his acceptance speech explained that he understands the current economic hardship of Jamaica outling some moves for the way forward by the JCC.

Partnership for transformation is one area Kennedy hopes to have in place.

Work has started with the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, the Jamaica Manufacturers' Association and Jamaica Exporters Association on the area.

A common database will be set up for the parish chambers to allow for the sharing of information.

Currently, the JCC has no connection with its sister chambers. "One of our major goals is to establish a relationship with them, so that exports can be expanded", Kennedy said.

Kennedy has noted delays in the redevelopment of downtown, and the harbour.

The JCC has developed an economic development architecture which calls for the preparation of two development plans: an economic development master plan and an urban development plan.

Initiatives that were made under Milton's tenure will be continued, Kennedy said.

Among them, are a need to create an efficient 'doing business' system, review and upgrade of the tax incentive and waiver systems schemes, and a new private sector scheme tailored on an industry-by-industry basis.