REBRANDED EXPO JAMAICA 2010 TO RUN FROM JUNE 17-20 AT NATIONAL ARENA

Kingston Jamaica: EXPO Jamaica 2010, the Caribbean’s premiere trade exposition which will run from June 17 to 20, was officially launched today at the Duke Street Offices of the Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association, with high expectations of overwhelming support from the local, regional and international buyers. The re-branded event is being co-hosted by Jamaica Exporters’ Association, Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association and Jamaica Trade and Invest and will feature in excess of 2,000 Jamaican products and over 200 booths.

The event is being held under the re-branded theme, “Brand Jamaica to the World!” The organisers of EXPO Jamaica 2010 believe the event is a significant opportunity to reinforce the strength of Brand Jamaica. Video Endorsements from manufacturers, exporters and the sporting fraternity were also showcased at today’s event.

During the Launch, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Karl Samuda expressed his Ministry’s strong support for the upcoming exposition. He announced that the Scientific Research Council (SRC) will soon play a greater role in the commercial sector. “The Scientific Research Council is to assume an expanded role next year, through which it will use Science and Technology to drive the development of innovative products and business ideas, in order to enhance Jamaica’s capacity to compete on the world market,” Minister Samuda revealed. The Minister acknowledged that taxes and some bureaucracy in the productive sector may frustrate entrepreneurs, but he is committed to have dialogue with the key players in the sector and facilitate processes, to address any disincentives to production.

Pointing out that the upcoming exposition is a celebration of the best of Jamaica, which comes at a point when the world has been reeling from the economic recession and manufacturers and exporters have not gone unscathed, JMA President Omar Azan declared, “EXPO Jamaica will give our local producers and international buyers a chance to network and form new joint partnership ventures, as well as educate Jamaicans about the many innovative quality products made locally.”

Mr. Azan bemoaned that although the manufacturing sector comprises only 29.7 per cent of the economy, it has been performing far below its ongoing targets, and its growth potential remains largely untapped. While commending the government for strides made in addressing some of the challenges facing manufacturers, Mr. Azan expressed concern that recently the sector has been hit by increased stripping rates from US$35 to US$200. He says owing to the marked increase in stripping rates, exporters now have to apply to the Ministry of Agriculture on a per shipment basis for waiver of duties, for the importation of agricultural inputs.

The JMA President underscored the need for Jamaicans to start valuing manufacturing and export. “There is a need for more creativity and commitment in fast tracking the manufacturing sector,” the JMA President urged. “The future of manufacturing is bright, as the sector is resilient as it competes on the local and international stage and against a tough external and internal environment.”

JEA President Vitus Evans told participants at today’s Launch that EXPO Jamaica 2010 is a timely vehicle for reinvigorating manufacturers and exporters to reach for higher heights in their business pursuits. While giving the exposition a resounding endorsement, the JEA President urged,  “The only way to get out of debt is to produce more, export more and so earn our way out of our individual and national debt,” declared Mr. Vitus Evans, President of the Jamaica Exporters’ Association. 

Mr. Evans revealed that the JEA as a lead partner on the National Export Strategy (NES) is urging all key stakeholders to come on board so that the objectives of that Strategy can be realised, namely, diversification of our export products and markets, an increase in the export sector’s contribution to GDP and employment through a hike in the export of high value non-traditional goods. He said the NES also aims to “increase the contribution of services exports as a percentage of our overall exports”.

Mr. Evans also disclosed that the JEA has submitted a proposal to the European Union to administer a project to create a framework for sustainable development and expansion of exports to Europe.   He explained, “The JEA is still in discussions with the European Union, with a view to commencing the programme as soon as the required financing is in place… Let us work together to implement the NES as a vehicle for economic advancement.” The JEA President implored exporters to quadruple their efforts to maximize their presence in existing markets and expand into new markets such as Brazil, Russia, India and China.

EXPO Jamaica 2010 will feature products ranging from Art and Craft, to Business, Chemical, Fashion, Information and Communication Technology, Minerals and Metals, Packaging and Labelling and Textile and Apparel.  A special feature of the Expo will be the one-on-one-interaction with suppliers of Brand Jamaica and the quality goods and services. It creates a business networking opportunity between international buyers and Jamaican exhibitors, and showcases new product innovations, with chances of new joint partnership ventures.

There will be an official opening and buyers reception on June 17, starting at 5pm but the event will be open to the public from June 18 from 5pm to 9pm, and June 19 and 20 from 11am to 9pm.

Erica James-King
Communication Manager | PROComm
P 876-926-6740 | M 876-564-5277