THE government’s Anti-dumping and Subsidies Commission plans to step up its public education programme to better inform Jamaicans of its role and importance in the context of international trade, according to the industry and commerce minister, Phillip Paulwell.

The commission analyses complaints and can recommend safeguard measures against products being dumped in the Jamaican market.

But there have been suggestions that Jamaicans do not fully understand its role, and in some instances, lack the technical information to make credible cases against perceived dumpers.

Paulwell, in a paper tabled in Parliament last week, said the Commission will develop strategies to enhance its public education outreach, and to establish a library of international and trade data information, with texts and on-line trade databases.

“This is intended to enhance the delivery of information and will serve to aid and guide the actions of government, persons who actively participate in commerce and the academic community that participate or has interest in trade policy,” Paulwell said.

The commission will also seek technical assistance to enhance its specialised training needs in areas such as investigation and analysis of dumping subsidies, safeguards and trade and tariff inquiries.

“As these objectives are achieved, it is envisaged that the commission will be recognised as a regional centre of excellence,” the minister said. ” This should enhance the promotion of exports of the country, the development of trade support services, instant access to trade information and human resource development.”