The Tribune

By NEIL HARTNELL

Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

Seven Jamaican manufacturers visited The Bahamas on a three-day trade mission earlier this month in a bid to strengthen economic ties and promote regional integration.

Caribbean Broilers, Dynamic Chemicals, Fosrich, Jamaica Broilers, Jamaica Idealle, Spur Tree Spices and ThomoVybes Manufacturing participated in the mission organised by the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) from October 10-12.

The Bahamas Trade Commission, Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) and Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) were the three principal Bahamian organisations involved.

The three-day visit included an opening ceremony and trade expo at the SBDC’s Gladstone Road head office on October 10, followed by business-to-business meetings on the 11th and a day of market visits on the 12th.

The Jamaican companies held meetings with several Bahamian firms such including Commonwealth Brewery, Lightbourn Trading, Sysco and Caribbean Bottling Company. They also toured companies such as AID, Centerville Food Store, Super Value and Xtra Value.

Senator Barry Griffin, deputy chairman of The Bahamas Trade Commission, said: “Caribbean Integration, regional trade and the promotion of Caribbean business as a whole must be what we base our future prosperity on.”

Samantha Rolle, the SBDC’s executive director, added: “Working collaboratively to execute the JMEA trade mission will further support both nations in achieving greater economic resiliency.”

Khrystle Ferguson, the Chamber’s chair, said: “We need to come together and support each other in the Caribbean region.”

Robert Scott, JMEA treasurer and head of the mission, added: “‘Export or die.’ These are the words echoed by our leaders. Our prosperity, wealth and growth as a region will come from trading with each other.”