Technical consultations and training grant

The targeted Jamaican organizations and a representative of the Jamaican Ministry of Finance (MOF) will implement the project. Assistance will be in the form of short-term consultancies, TA, and training. The targeted organizations will identify potential project activities and obtain funding approval from USAID/J and the MOF. The host government and recipient organizations will contribute part of the local cost of each activity. The project will help the Kingston Free Zone (KFZ) identify foreign companies to invest in new or labor-intensive enterprises, assess the Jamaican electronics industry, formulate a strategy for accessing the U.S. and European electronics markets, and upgrade its operations. Assistance may be provided through the National Planning Agency to aid various entities in improving such areas as tourism development planning; development loan appraisal, supervision, and financial administration; airport operations and management; railway operations; and Jamaica Omnibus Services. Overseas training will be provided for staff of the Jamaica National Export Company and the Jamaica Export Company. The companies will in turn promote the development of local furniture, citrus, garment, and floriculture industries. It is likely that the Jamaica National Investment Company will be assisted in a number of areas, including development of an investment code, negotiation of selected investments, investment promotion, and the preparation of sectoral investment profiles. The Project Analysis and Monitoring Company may receive short-term consultancies to advance selected major projects (e.g., diversion of the Yallahs River). Other project activities will include the preparation of a Land Resources Study and a Handbook on Agricultural Investment; provision of U.S. management training through the Jamaica Institute of Management; and financial support of PVO"s that provide skills training to women and youths. Amendment of 8/27/85 revises project strategy, devoting resources to (1) consolidating and defending the structural adjustment and stabilization gains in Jamaica; and (2) institutionalization of an accelerated, intensified investment and export promotion program. Specific activities will include policy studies supportive of the structural adjustment program, investment promotion, industrial development, and new import substitution and export development initiatives. (PD-AAS-069) Pro-Ag amendment of 9/27/89 adds three components aimed at improving Jamaica"s ability to earn foreign exchange: (1) TA, training, and trade promotion activities to address constraints to low productivity; (2) studies of constraints to financial markets (including the Stock Market); and (3) studies, TA, and training to alleviate the lack of small business infrastructure. (PD-ABA-079)