MINISTER of state in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce Delano Seiveright has declared that Jamaica is entering a critical period for manufacturing growth.

He has pointed to what he described as improving national security, major economic reforms, accelerated post-disaster recovery efforts, and increasing Government support for local businesses as proof that the time is right for well-needed expansion of the local private sector.

Seiveright made the comments during a recent tour of Sanmerna Paper Products Limited, one of Jamaica’s largest paper manufacturers, which now employs close to 200 people and produces more than 120,000 rolls of toilet tissue daily for the local market.

Founded in 2003 by brothers, Robert and Mark White, Sanmerna also manufactures bathroom tissue, hand towels, napkins, and medical bed rolls, and has grown steadily into a dominant player in Jamaica’s paper converting industry.

“Sanmerna represents the kind of Jamaican manufacturing success story we want to see multiplied across the country,” Seiveright said.

“From humble beginnings, Robert White and Mark White have built a serious local manufacturing enterprise creating jobs, investing locally, producing at scale and contributing significantly to Jamaica’s productive economy,” added Seiveright.

He said the Government, led by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, has deliberately focused on creating stronger conditions for investment, expansion and industrial growth.

According to Seiveright, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator Aubyn Hill, and the agencies under the ministry, are supporting businesses through an increasingly hands-on and facilitative approach.

“We are taking a far more practical and responsive approach to business development because the success of Jamaican enterprise is directly tied to national growth, employment and economic resilience,” Seiveright said.

The state minister pointed to several policy measures aimed at strengthening manufacturing competitiveness, including the Productive Input Relief regime — which allows duty-free access to raw materials and production equipment — as well as the Accelerated Capital Allowance regime introduced in the 2025/26 Budget to encourage reinvestment and expansion by businesses.

Seiveright acknowledged long-standing concerns surrounding electricity costs, particularly within manufacturing, but said recent developments announced by Energy Minister Daryl Vaz indicate that the Government is aggressively pursuing reforms within the sector.

Cabinet recently approved heads of terms for a new Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) licence framework intended to modernise the electricity sector and improve efficiency and outcomes for consumers and businesses.

“For manufacturers, electricity costs matter greatly and the Government fully understands that reality. What is important is that significant work is now under way to modernise the framework governing the sector while improving reliability and resilience,” Seiveright said as he pointed out that Jamaica’s manufacturing sector continues to operate within a challenging and uncertain global environment.

He pointed to geopolitical tensions affecting global shipping and energy markets, upward pressure on oil prices, supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressures, and broader international economic uncertainty as factors that could negatively impact local manufacturers.

“No serious policymaker or business leader should pretend there are not real challenges,” Seiveright said.

“Global uncertainty, geopolitical developments, logistics pressures and energy costs all have the potential to impact manufacturing and business activity, including here in Jamaica. The focus therefore has to be on building resilience, improving competitiveness and maintaining close engagement with the productive sector.”

He argued that Jamaica’s reduction in murders and violent crime is becoming an increasingly important factor in attracting investment and encouraging local business expansion.

According to official figures, Jamaica recorded 674 murders in 2025, the country’s lowest annual murder total in decades, with further declines being recorded so far in 2026.

“The improvements in public safety are significant and investors are noticing. Greater stability and lower levels of violence strengthen confidence, support business activity and improve Jamaica’s overall investment climate,” said Seiveright.

He also commended the philanthropic work of the Sanmerna Foundation, which has supported scholarships, burn victims, hospitals, schools, sports programmes, and vulnerable communities across Jamaica.

“It is particularly commendable that while building a highly competitive manufacturing operation, the founders have remained deeply committed to community upliftment and national development. That spirit of giving back deserves recognition,” declared Seiveright.