Business
JAM | Apr 30, 2025

New markets, new opportunities: JAMPRO pushes business deals at Expo Jamaica 2025

/ Our Today

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Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness (centre) completes the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Expo Jamaica 2025, which began on Thursday, April 3, 2025. He is flanked by (from left) Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) deputy vice-president Kathryn Silvera, JMEA executive director Kamesha Blake, JMEA president Sydney Thwaites; Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Senator Aubyn Hill; president of Jamaica Promotions Corporation Shuellette Cox; and chairman of Expo Jamaica 2025 organising committee Aswad Morgan. (Photo: Contributed)

Still basking in the afterglow of the highly successful Expo Jamaica 2025, the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) is celebrating what it calls a powerful outcome of unprecedented international reach and a dynamic showcase of export-ready goods and services.

Held from April 3–6 at the National Arena and National Indoor Sports Centre, this year’s staging registered 884 buyers, representing 25 countries across North America, the Caribbean, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

JAMPRO, one of the 20 agencies of the Ministry of Industry and Investment, successfully introduced new markets such as Thailand, Japan and Uganda to the expo, expanding trade links beyond traditional territories.

An aerial view of the National Arena in St Andrew, one of the venues hosting Expo Jamaica 2025.

At the end of the two official buyers’ days on April 5, JAMPRO recorded 469 targeted B2B (business-to-business) meetings, with 245 strong business leads generated, reinforcing the importance of the event in promoting exports and business development.

“As a developing country with just under three million people, Jamaica’s economic growth hinges on expanding our export markets. Expo Jamaica proves that we are ready, capable and competitive on the global stage. By connecting overseas buyers to local suppliers, we are taking a vital step in building a more resilient export-driven economy, one that attracts serious investment and delivers greater profitability for Jamaican businesses. I commend JAMPRO for its strategic execution and tireless work in opening doors for Jamaican businesses,” said portfolio minister Aubyn Hill.

(Photo: Facebook @TheJMEA)

JAMPRO’s buyer outreach strategy, which included leveraging Jamaican missions overseas and key local diplomatic partnerships, was instrumental in securing buyer participation from new and emerging markets.

JAMPRO executed a deliberate and focused buyer engagement strategy in the lead-up to Expo Jamaica 2025. The team initiated contact with targeted buyers months in advance, then followed up consistently through direct outreach and with the support of embassies and high commissions. This approach resulted in high-quality engagement and real commercial interest and transactions at the event.

JAMPRO president Shullette Cox described the event as a bold signal to the international market:

“Buyer interest and attendance at Expo Jamaica 2025 was a resounding demonstration of the confidence the world has in Brand Jamaica. From new markets to high-value connections, Jamaican companies at all levels showcased the depth and potential of our products, services and partnerships.”

In alignment with its targeted strategy, JAMPRO also hosted a curated Buyer’s Cocktail event, facilitating high-level networking and strategic dialogue during a compelling fireside chat entitled ‘Jamaican Products, Global Reach: Manufacturing & Logistics Insights‘.

Moderated by Cox herself, the session brought together industry leaders to explore Jamaica’s manufacturing capabilities, logistics infrastructure, and export readiness. Panellists shared powerful examples of supply chain efficiencies and innovations, implemented through public-private partnerships.

Beyond global matchmaking, Expo Jamaica also prioritised local linkages, connecting Jamaican buyers with domestic suppliers to reinforce the strength of the internal market and channel purchasing away from the country’s high import bill.

Shullette Cox, president of Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), smiles during Day 1 of Expo Jamaica at the National Indoor Sports Centre in St Andrew on April 3, 2025. (Photo: Facebook @expojamaica)

From artisan creations and technology-driven innovations to eco-conscious manufacturing and agro-processing, this year’s expo presented an inclusive showcase of Jamaica’s evolving business landscape. JAMPRO’s corporate booth also guided visitors on investing in Jamaica, using interactive platforms like the Jamaica Business Gateway, and how to scale Jamaican brands for international success.

Expo Jamaica served to amplify the diversity of Jamaica’s export offerings and reinforced JAMPRO’s role in bridging connections across borders and championing inclusive economic growth for Jamaican businesses. 

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