<P> Jamaica has a wide variety of industrial and commercial activities . The aviation industry is able to perform most routine aircraft maintenance, except for heavy structural repairs . There is a considerable amount of technical support for transport and agricultural aviation . Jamaica has a considerable amount of industrial engineering, light manufacturing, including metal fabrication, metal roofing, and furniture manufacturing . Food and beverage processing, glassware manufacturing, software and data processing, printing and publishing, insurance underwriting, music and recording, and advanced education activities can be found in the larger urban areas . The Jamaican construction industry is entirely self - sufficient, with professional technical standards and guidance . </P> <P> Since the first quarter of 2006, the economy of Jamaica has undergone a period of staunch growth . With inflation for the 2006 calendar year down to 6.0% and unemployment down to 8.9%, the nominal GDP grew by an unprecedented 2.9% . An investment programme in island transportation and utility infrastructure and gains in the tourism, mining, and service sectors all contributed this figure . All projections for 2007 show an even higher potential for economic growth with all estimates over 3.0% and hampered only by urban crime and public policies . </P> <P> In 2006, Jamaica became part of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) as one of the pioneering members . </P> <P> The global economic downturn had a significant impact on the Jamaican economy for the years 2007 to 2009, resulting in negative economic growth . The government implemented a new Debt Management Initiative, the Jamaica Debt Exchange (JDX) on 14 January 2010 . The initiative would see holders of Government of Jamaica (GOJ) bonds returning the high interest earning instruments for bonds with lower yields and longer maturities . The offer was taken up by over 95% of local financial institutions and was deemed a success by the government . </P>

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