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Almost two hundred aspiring and active exporters were engaged in export-focused information sessions hosted by the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), one of which was in collaboration with the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ[DM1] ).  Exporters participated in two intensive workshops focused on strategies for mitigating export risks and financing opportunities for businesses.

Delaine Morgan, Manager of the Exporter Facilitation department, said the participants spanned several sectors, including agribusiness, creative industries, distribution and logistics, tourism and non-food manufacturing, among others.

“Our department has engaged hundreds of aspiring and active exporters, who all share the common struggle of understanding important strategies that are vital for export sustainability, no matter the market. This is why we decided to engage them in these interactive sessions, to give them a chance to put their issues before experts who can guide them accordingly,” Ms. Morgan stated.

Michael Brown, from Golden Sun Inc, initially a fresh produce business, now producing processed goods, said he’s been in business since 2009. Due to unfortunate obstacles in the logistics process, he lost approximately seven million dollars via shipping a container of produce to New York.

“We’re now recouping and slowly readjusting our strategy to get back up and running again and these JAMPRO sessions have been beneficial in guiding us, especially with the financial options available,” he said.

The Exporter Facilitation Department primary objectives are to engage with aspiring, active and inactive exporters and to assist them in navigating the exporting process more effectively.

In addition to expert presentations, Exporter Information Sessions provide a prime networking space for local companies to consider forming partnerships among themselves for export opportunities[DM2] . Participants were also able to access information booths, manned by various stakeholder entities offering various tools and services to assist their exporting efforts.

“During one of our sessions, a client of[RB3]  JAMPRO’s Export Max programme presented their services to the attendees and successfully generated ten leads from that engagement,” Ms. Morgan disclosed.

Another exporter, Sonya Robinson, Founder of Spice Barbecue Wood Chips, said she consistently attend JAMPRO’s Exporter Information Sessions, to gain as many insights as possible and seek guidance for sustaining the export of her products into the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

“Now we’re looking to export into the Cuban market, and these sessions have presented so much information for accessing funding and connecting with other businesses. I’ve learnt so much and would highly recommend it to other exporters,” she lauded.

These sessions include key presenters from the Jamaica Seaboard Shipping & Freight, Jamaica Customs Agency, DBJ, Trade Winds Citrus Limited and EXIM Bank.

Feedback data from 90 percent of participants reveals that the content presented was relevant to their company’s needs. These information sessions will continue to be annually hosted to provide continuous support for the local business community. For more information on upcoming sessions, contact info@dobusinessjamaica.com.

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