Looks at the manufacturing sector in Jamaica. Suggests that the manufacturing sector in the region needs to move in a new direction. Indicates that there should be rapid retooling of the sector in order to improve production capacity and increase exports; the sector should be given incentives and support from the region's governments, within the framework of a comprehensive industry and trade policy; and the problem of consumer preferences for imported non-regional products should be addressed. Emphasises that the regional public sector and the private sector need to come together in order to facilitate effective adjustment of the manufacturing sector.