The following is taken from the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica's Economic Policy Framework.

For the past 40 years Jamaica has run a massive deficit on merchandise trade. We consistently import twice as much as we export. A main reason for this trade deficit is the lack of range and dynamism of Jamaica's exports. But in several areas the country has been underserved by its trade policies. Accordingly, we suggest the following revamped approach:

Challenge clear violations of trade agreements and impose countervailing tariffs.

Invite all stakeholders to play an active role in establishing negotiating priorities.

Tap donor funded trade capacity-building programmes to assist companies to better take advantage of export opportunities.

Negotiate trade adjustment assistance to help employees and business displaced by the implementation of trade agreements.

Strengthen and fully implement freedom of labour in CARICOM.

Establish a trade database to support effective trade negotiations.

For more information on The PSOJ's Economic Policy Framework, please visit The PSOJ's website at www.psoj.org