Minister of Industry, Investment and Trade, Hon. Audley Shaw praised the work of the Anti-Dumping and Subsidies Commission (ADSC), noting that the entity has remained “excellent” in protecting Jamaican producers from unfair trade practices.
Delivering the opening speech on Thursday, October 28, at a virtual function to mark National Trade Remedies Day and celebrate the Commission’s 21st anniversary, the minister noted that the entity has been recognized as one of the authorities important survey among small economies.
“In the 21 years of work, ADSC has not only played an important role in protecting Jamaican businesses, but has also been named by World Trade Organization (WTO) officials as a model organization,” he stressed.
He said the Commission has become a center of excellence in its field, with qualified staff familiar with international business case law and practice, making it “a valuable resource for the development and implementation of Jamaica’s trade policy ”.
The Minister, noting Jamaica’s excellent record in international trade jurisprudence, noted that ADSC Executive Director Andrea Marie Dawes had been appointed by WTO Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala , to serve as an expert in several expert groups to resolve disputes between member countries, under the Dispute and Understanding (DSU) mechanism of the global body.
He noted that the Commission has also reorganized to become a more modern, streamlined and user-friendly agency, pursuing ISO 9001: 2015 certification and training productive industries as important partners.
He cited the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) and the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA), among the entities that have received support from the Commission.
Minister Shaw said the ADSC is an important policy instrument for businesses that need protection against unfair trade practices and seek to pursue trade remedies.
It also plays a critical role in mitigating the threat that imports, if left unchecked, pose to producers and the economy as a whole.
The Commission’s primary mandate is to investigate complaints and prescribe remedies for unfair international trade practices.