Caribbean Business Reports

The Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) is aiming to attract 530 international buyers to Expo Jamaica 2020.

Set for April 30 – May 3, Expo Jamaica 2020, which is a collaborative effort of both JAMPRO and the Jamaica Exporters and Manufacturers Associaton (JMEA), will feature over 250 local manufacturers and service providers.

So far, more than 350 buyers from 21 countries have expressed an interest in participating in the event. With this in mind, JAMPRO President Diane Edwards is confident that, based on feedback from buyers, the event will be able to attract the targeted number.

In fact, more people have become interested in and attracted to Brand Jamaica and the range of business opportunities available, she noted.

“Export is a competitive business; therefore, a platform like Expo Jamaica is extremely valuable to our local companies as it enables them to promote themselves to thousands of business personnel and also to unearth major business opportunities for expansion, locally and across the globe,” Edwards emphasised.

“We are pleased to see this event’s positive trajectory and consistent improvement over the years, and we look forward to building on our collaboration with the JMEA as we work together to bring Brand Jamaica to the world,” she continued.

“Export is a competitive business; therefore, a platform like Expo Jamaica is extremely valuable to our local companies

— Diane Edwards, president, Jamaica Promotions Corporation

Local interest, emerging industries

The export promotions and marketing agency revealed further that international buyers are also keen on viewing new and innovative products and services from emerging industries such as animation, castor oil and cannabis-based industries.

Edwards also highlighted a growing interest from local buyers.

“Local Buyers, such as hotels and restaurants continue to support Expo Jamaica and procure local products for their businesses. This is an excellent trend as we seek to decrease the import of products and services that can be secured in the island,” she said.

Expanding Expo Jamaica

With a mission to expand the trade exhibition, the JMEA has, as part of its efforts to renew Expo Jamaica, procured more space at the National Indoor Centre. With the additional space, the organisation plans to include emerging industries and services through initiatives like the Jamaica Emerging Manufacturers and Services (JEMS) village.

JEMS features companies in sectors such as nutraceuticals, jewellery, animation and robotics, and services.

To this end, JAMPRO, which shares a similar mandate to the JMEA’s, has endorsed the addition of activities like JEMS that help to reimagine the look and feel of Expo Jamaica, even as local companies seek distribution channels for products and services in international markets.