We know that the Government is trying to diversify the economy re Sandals' two hotels, the new Mitsubishi plant, the expansion of the financial services sector–especially with a focus on China–two ship repair facilities, etc.
However, two of the low hanging fruit which have not been fully explored are the manufacturing and agricultural sectors–which both earn US currency.
To really maximise the benefits from these sectors you need to have serious meetings with both these groups to find out what are the incentives Government can put in place to allow them to increase their exports of manufactured goods and agricultural produce by at least 30 per cent.
These two sectors are low hanging fruit because the manufacturers already have their machinery in place and farmers can grow their crops in a six to 12-month cycle.
They both have a much faster turnaround time than any new diversified type of business.
They therefore can ramp up revenue much faster, while creating employment for others. A win-win for everyone.
Roger Gordon,
Cascade