OMAR Azan is the president of the Jamaica Manufacturers Association (JMA) and the CEO of Boss Furniture. He is widely respected among the local business community and heads a business that takes on world-renown furniture makers and holds it own.

During his tenure at the JMA he has set about serving as a tireless champion of the local manufacturing sector and has proffered many intelligent and cogent solutions for turning around the ailing Jamaican economy. He is also a man with a huge social conscience and an avid patriot who stands ready and willing to serve his country. Though his opinions and recommendations are sought on economic and financial issues, he is always stressing the importance of creating a better country for the citizenry, a concept lost on many of today’s politicians.

His principled stance on the recent downturn disturbances is a case in point and he led by example, rolling up his sleeves and helping to provide much needed provisions for both the police and military in Tivoli as well as the residents there. He was at the head of the cavalry where corporate Jamaica in large did not follow and this speaks volumes for the man. If there was ever a survey on Jamaican men of substance in the first decade of the 21st century who are under 50, Omar Azan would certainly have to feature. He stands as a standard bearer for local manufacturing and sells the message ‘buy Jamaican, build Jamaica’ every opportunity he gets. He continually stresses the importance and value of Brand Jamaica and how it can be harnessed to the betterment of the country.

Omar Azan will be the guest speaker at Wealth Magazine’s Corporate Mingle, this evening at the Blue Beat Jazz and Martini Bar located on the hip strip in Montego Bay, St James. He will be making a presentation on the topic, ‘Brand Jamaica, Buy Jamaican, Build Jamaica’.

Caribbean Business Report caught up with Omar Azan for a quick Q&A.

1. Are you comfortable with the speed in which interest rates are trending down?

Interest rates are trending in the right direction but we would appreciate a faster response from the commercial banks. However, affordable and accessible rates are only one of the solutions for development. A total business-friendly environment is needed to enhance competitiveness.

2. How is the JMA assisting entrepreneurs?

Entrepreneurs are being assisted through capacity-building initiatives and trade development and promotional activities, that include but are not limited to Expo Jamaica 2010, which is being held at the National Arena, June 18-20.

3. Do you believe the private sector is doing enough to help entrepreneurs?

Entrepreneurs require various services which are being met by different private sector groups as well as some government agencies. We live in a changing environment and we must ensure as a private sector that we continue to respond appropriately. We invite entrepreneurs to provide recommendations that would enable the JMA to serve them better.

4. How will the revaluation of the JA dollar affect businesses?

On a positive note, revaluation would mean lower prices on electricity and costs to import raw material, as well as an improvement in purchasing power. On the other hand, when the dollar revalues there is a loss on export sales.

5. How would you assess the performance of the economy so far this year?

There are positive signs such as the revaluation of the dollar, reduction in interest rates as well as the thrust to tackle crime. However, there are other factors such as corruption, bureaucracy, and high cost of electricity that need to be addressed to result in growth. Impacts of the economic recession are still being felt by some manufacturing subsectors on local and export sales and employment.

Some previous speakers at Corporate Mingle have been Audrey Chin, senior vice president, Business Development and Client Management at NCB Insurance Company Limited and Co-owner of Lasco; Todd Bell, US Multimillionaire and CEO of Quest Travel Network; and Dennis Chung, financial analyst.