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Navigating trade agreements, international business dynamics and logistics are key factors in determining successful business growth driven by exports. With consistent growth of Brand Jamaica across geographical boundaries, new markets and increase demands awaits the fulfillment of local companies. 

In support of this, the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) continues to collaborate with partner agencies such as the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) and the Trade Board Limited to enable the local business community with key exporting insights.  

Sensitisation sessions for large, medium and small exporters hosted by JAMPRO expose key opportunities for market penetration using trade agreements which establish the legal frameworks that govern trade between countries and the best export practices for managing logistics.  

In a recent the session, Shullette Cox, President of JAMPRO underscored the importance of leveraging these agreements noting that many remain underutilised by local exporters. 

“We are mindful of the vital role that export businesses play in the development and growth of our nation’s economy. Your efforts help to strengthen our international presence in key markets around the world and that is why we have organised today’s session to empower you with actionable insights and strategies for leveraging trade agreements to boost market access and enhance your export operations,” she stated.  

Representatives from the Trade Board and Jamaica Customs Agency presented on key Agreements and their benefits throughout the session while sharing practical opportunities for entering untapped markets. Participants were also able to engage and ask questions.  

Against this backdrop, Sonja Linton, Vice President of the Export Division at JAMPRO commented, “We believe these sessions were beneficial, questions have been answered, and clients now realise they can be so much more competitive once they understand and most importantly, use these agreements.” 

Alex Perkins, Export Sales Manager at Worthy Park Estate, said the session was useful, hinting that the company intends to expand its exports into the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).  “I think I’ve learnt a lot. There are some things that I’m also being refreshed on but it’s pretty interesting to learn about certain trade agreements that aren’t being utilised especially within CARICOM. We’re trying to expand our presence in the Caribbean, so this is very useful to me in that regard,” he said.  

Worthy Park Estate currently exports to thirty countries globally, with its largest markets being Canada, the United States of America, France and Barbados.  

Similarly, Kadeen McCallum-Ellis, the Senior Logistics Associate at Jamaica Flour Mills highlighted her appreciation for information on the sample product analysis form which was shared during the session, “We’re in the process of completing ours for several products that we export, so this is helpful in understanding the right steps,” she said.  

JAMPRO is the government’s export and investment facilitation agency, under the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC). The agency consistently hosts a range of events tailored to build capacity and awareness about business opportunities for local companies and international investors. For more information on JAMPRO’s upcoming information sessions contact: info@dobusinessjamaica.com.