Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Michael Stern, has commended the Manchester Chamber of Commerce for producing a business directory, describing it as a tool for economic development.
The Minister, who was addressing the launch of the book, at the Golf View Hotel, on February 23, noted that the contents of the publication dealing with skills in the parish, business opportunities, the listing of Government agencies, and other organisations offering different services, are of great importance to the business community.
“When you look at the information in this book, it is a tool to get your products out there, and the potential for this magazine is great. And in the next few years, every business person will want to use it as a tool. The vision of having a book like this means well for the business community,” he said.
He argued that in today’s world, information be must be communicated precisely and timely, for the growth and development of enterprises. “Many people coming to the parish of Manchester need to know where to go for specific projects, skills, equipment, human capacity, and Government agencies. And the magazine serves to do all that,” the State Minister said.
In his message, President of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Winston Lawson, said that the directory provides relevant and accurate data concerning varied products and services across Manchester.
“The parish is ripe for investments, given the tremendous resources of skilled human capital, minerals, agricultural products, heritage and other sites of interest,” Mr. Lawson noted.
Meanwhile, Public Relations Officer for the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Milton Williams, said the directory seeks to promote and enhance the business climate in the parish. “It is our hope that information contained in this directory will stimulate the entrepreneurial drive of the population, and lead to the creation of many new businesses,” Mr. Williams said.
The business directory also contains information dealing with the creation of new businesses, business regulations, tax compliance, business profiles, funding options, and dealing with the export markets.