The JMA is a results oriented organization and boast many successes in its advocacy and lobbying efforts, from its creation to its contemporary existence.

For example, in the late 1940’s, the Association successfully lobbied for the changeover in electricity generation from 40 to 50 cycles, and effectively advocated for the imposition of quantitative restriction on imports. The JMA also advocated for the establishment of the Bureau of Standards and in the 1980s, the formation of the Trafalgar Development Bank (now Sagicor Investments) was a major initiative of the Association, as it assisted manufacturers with overcoming the challenges posed by structural adjustments. The Association further went on to lobby for the removal of the structural disincentives to production, to enable manufacturers to adjust to the increasingly competitive international environment. The Association was also instrumental in the reduction of duties on capital goods and spare parts.

The JMA is still as relevant as it was sixty nine (69) years ago. Today, the Association continues to lead efforts in safeguarding the future of manufacturing. Further achievements which have benefited the manufacturing sector are:

• A fifty (50) per cent discount on the Customs Administrations Fee (CAF) applied to raw and intermediate materials, as well as packaging.

• GCT Deferment on packaging and imported raw materials

• Relief of the Common External Tariff (CET) on inputs to manufacturing

• Special financial windows through EXIM Bank and the National Commercial Bank

These achievements among many others have resulted in the JMA being one of the most recognizable and credible Business Support Organizations in Jamaica and across the world.

We continue to advocate on issues such as effective tax reform, government procurement and trade facilitation. We continue to make representation to the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation for consideration to be given to a development type framework for improving the accessibility and infrastructure of available factory space to manufacturers.

The 2016-2021 Manufacturing Growth Strategy was also developed to move the sector forward. We will continue to embark on innovative approaches to support the manufacturing base of the society. We continue to encourage all Jamaicans to reinforce the strength of brand Jamaica and “Buy Jamaican,” “Build Jamaica.”