The Dominica Manufacturers Association (DMA) has recommitted itself to continuous manufacturing processes and elevated quality of products. DMA secretary Naomi Bannis Sampson revealed that the association has geared up to boosting its presence in the local and regional markets.
Some of the core objectives of the association include assisting local manufacturers, improving the standards of manufactured products, and promoting the Dominican brand in regional and international exhibitions and markets.
According to Sampson, DMA opened the Buy Dominica Supercenter which provided almost 250 products, but Hurricane Maria forced the closure of the place. However, DMA succeeded in enabling Portsmouth Secondary School students to partake in the “Make Something to Sell” competition as a way of inculcating the manufacturing spirit in youths.
This initiative was carried out in conjunction with Junior Achievers and the National Development Foundation of Dominica.
“We were able to successfully negotiate a two percent loan facility for manufactures currently available at the aid bank,” Sampson disclosed.
She however noted that the major problems confronting manufacturers on the island include access to capital, factory space or expansion, and access to quality raw materials.
The DMA is set to deal with some of these problems by bridging the information gap between the members of the association and relevant stakeholders, aid manufacturers to reach more markets, and open the doors for new entrants into the manufacturing sector. Even secondary school students and talented youths will be encouraged to be productive via the “Make Something to Sell” project.
Meanwhile, the DMA continues to work so that the Buy Dominica Supercenter can be reopened before the end of 2020.
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