The Tribune

A Bahamian Cabinet minister called for more regional co-operation on trade during the final leg of JAMPRO's Caribbean Market Mission in the Bahamas.

Thirteen Jamaican companies promoted their products for export to the Bahamas on one of JAMPRO's largest trade missions, which covered three key markets in the Caribbean region.

Brent Symonette, minister of financial services, and trade and industry, said the Bahamas was a strong partner for Jamaica, given that it was home to 10,000 Jamaicans.

He said: "It is only through developing trade in the region that we can grow the region as Caribbean nationals….we have to work together for the benefit of nationals throughout the region."

Mr Symonette praised JAMPRO for the sophistication of the Caribbean Market Mission initiative, and said he looked forward to positive outcomes from the visit to the Bahamas.

Robert Scott, JAMPRO's vice-president of export and market development, said the agency was pleased with the reception Jamaican companies had received while in Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and the Bahamas.

The companies had favourable meetings with potential buyers, and were able to investigate the needs of companies and consumers in all markets. The delegation included products from apparel, beauty, agro-processing and other sectors.

Mr Scott said: "I am pleased that we were able, with the support of our partners, to execute this Export Max initiative. JAMPRO is confident that the companies will receive more positive feedback on their return to Jamaica, and that the relationships built will be fruitful. We are excited about the outcomes to date, and extremely hopeful about sustained business arising from the mission."

The Caribbean Market Mission's participating companies are Export Max enterprises Crimson Dawn Manufacturing Company; Dawson Trading Company; R & D Commercial Holdings (formerly EG Wellness Brands); Free Form Factory; Grace Agro-Processors (Division of GK Foods & Services); Jamaica Drip Irrigation; Tripple C Manufacturing; Very Amazing Products (VAP); Island Products Manufacturing Company; Boss Furniture Company; Carita Jamaica; Country House Products; Country Traders and JABEXCO Limited - Best Dressed Foods. Manufacturers King Pepper Products; Southside Distributors and AG Chem Plant participated on select missions.

The Export Max programme is executed in partnership with the Development Bank of Jamaica, The HEART Trust/NTA, Scotiabank and The Jamaica Productivity Centre. JAMPRO is an Agency of the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation.