The Jamaica Productivity Centre (JPC) will embark on a public education campaign, to promote the benefits of increased productivity as well as its importance to national and economic development.

Addressing a recent JIS 'Think Tank', Productivity Consultant attached to the JPC, Trevor Smith, said that the campaign was necessary in light of the lack of widespread awareness about productivity and its benefits to the country's development.

"If firms are productive, it means that they are more efficient and effective, which in turn enables them to produce better quality products and achieve better costs in terms of raw material," he explained.

"If the firm is more productive, this also leads to better prices, which invariably leads to better competitiveness and subsequently additional markets. More markets mean producing more goods and services and more employment, which will ultimately culminate in wealth creation, improved standard of living and prosperity," Mr. Smith argued, adding that this was part and parcel of the productivity equation.

Mr. Smith said, the campaign would utilise the electronic and print media. He noted that "we will be looking at productivity issues, doing extensive radio and television interviews to preach about the ABCs of productivity and how everybody fits into it".

Training at all levels will also be involved, as persons need to be aware of how increased productivity impacts on the firm, industry, sectoral and national levels.

The JPC is a national productivity promotion organisation, whose key stakeholders include, the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions and the Jamaica Employers' Federation. It was officially launched in April 2003.

The main thrust of the Centre is to promote the development of the nation by fostering a productivity sensitive culture, in order to improve productivity levels and competence among enterprises.