THE Jamaica Exporters’ Association (JEA) is breathing a sign of relief in the face of planned fiscal cuts by the Government.

The association said it has been assured that statutory incentives to its members will remain intact though the Government continues to grapple with fiscal consolidation.

“The obligations that the Government has already put in place will not be broken, however, discretionary incentives will come under greater scrutiny in an effort to ensure transparency,” the association reported.

In explaining the anticipated impact on the sector, President Andrew Collins pointed to charitable organisations, which he said, have in the past been granted certain discretionary waivers.

“These organisations should expect tighter measures, to qualify,” he said. “The association has also been assured that the Government will be implementing a credible growth agenda for its contribution toward stable economic growth,” Collins said.

Within its mandate of ensuring economic growth, the JEA reiterated its intention to reduce the risk of drug contamination of exports through the island’s ports.

Pointing to the need for infrastructural development at the Norman Manley International Airport, JEA General Manager Jean Smith highlighted incidents of drug finds in shipments “already pre-screened in Jamaica”.

“What we want to see happening is a strengthening of the procedures, and also to provide basic guarantees to the exporters that once we have complied to the security requirements for shipping our goods, we can be protected from any charges having met the security standards,” she said.

Additionally, the JEA’s capacity building has been boosted by an $8-million grant through the European Union Pesticide Initiative Programme (PIP).

“Access to technical assistance from the PIP will help to improve the organisational capacity of the JEA to offer various services to exporters and farmers who sell agricultural produce to exporters,” Smith added.

The funds will also be used to expand the JEA’s traceability programme, making it more accessible to clients in the agro-processing sector.