KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) –  Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, said the Government is focussed on building a strong foundation of productivity that can drive high rates of economic growth and job creation.

As such, she said that bold policy reforms are being undertaken that will increase the productive capacity of the people and the economy.

These include labour market reform, streamlining the system of waivers and tax incentives, upgrading physical infrastructure and improving education and training.

The prime minister was speaking at Newport-Fersan Limited’s 10th anniversary long service award ceremony held on Wednesday at the company’s Wherry Wharf Complex in Kingston.

She noted that the Government is placing greater emphasis on getting local investors and exporters to lift their productivity levels.

“We are encouraging and supporting efforts for business expansion, re-investments and job creation. I know that the excellence we are striving to achieve together, resides within the Jamaican productive sector,” she said.

The prime minister lauded Newport-Fersan on 10 years of achievements, noting that the company’s business success will boost the country’s efforts to attract increased foreign investment.

She said that as the Government accelerates its mission to improve the nation’s global competitiveness, foreign and local investments must be seen as critical to the process.

The prime minister said she is heartened that Newport-Fersan continues to expand the reach of its business beyond Jamaica, serving new and growing markets overseas.

She encouraged the fertiliser manufacturer to do more to take advantage of access to the traditional markets of North America and Europe, and as well as those in the Caribbean and Latin America.

“You will be aware that in an effort to strengthen economic integration with our non-traditional trading partners, CARICOM has, over the years, signed trade agreements with several countries in the region. These include the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Colombia, Cuba and Costa Rica,” she pointed out.

She further urged the company to develop and produce even better quality fertiliser products at affordable prices for the agricultural sector locally and internationally.

Eight employees of Newport-Fersan Limited were honoured and pinned by Simpson Miller for 10 years of dedicated service during the ceremony.

The members of staff have been with the company since inception, contributing to the development and success of the company.

Newport-Fersan, which began its operations in Jamaica in November 2004, is the only local manufacturer of fertiliser and has worked in partnership with several organisations with the aim of contributing to the development of Jamaica’s agricultural sector.