Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) has extended the Export Max IV programme to December 2026. Originally scheduled to conclude in July, the extension was granted to provide additional support to companies impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

JAMPRO’s Vice President of Exports, Sonja Linton, told JIS News that the decision to extend the programme was taken to ensure that participating companies can benefit from Export Max IV in its entirety.

She explained that some of the participating companies are small and vulnerable, and, due to the hurricane, have experienced supply chain disruptions.

“The agricultural industry was hit really hard. St. Elizabeth is our food basket, and we saw disruptions in their supply chain. As such, it has set them back,” Linton said. “Some have not been able to fill their export orders yet, because they were doing fresh produce, or they don’t have the raw material for processing. Even though they have been set back, we are a very resilient people and, as such, it has not deterred their export mindset. It has not shifted.”

The Vice President further stated that “they are working towards building back and building back stronger. So, yes, they are navigating some challenges; but we are positive and we are certain that they will be able to fulfil those orders,” she stated.

Linton told JIS News that, between now and December, the programme is looking to expand its internship placements.

“HEART/NSTA Trust is one of our sponsors, and [they] have a wonderful internship programme where they allow each participant in our Export Max to benefit from two HEART intern placements,” she informed.  “The programme has been going so well. Our members from our global digital services, our tech firms, have had their interns, and we have had resounding success. What has happened, too, is the interns, when they are placed in these businesses, are absorbed into the business, and they are employed.”

Linton further informed that the missions component of the programme will also be extended, noting, “We have more missions going abroad—ministerial missions as well as sector‑led missions. So we’re hoping to take the companies on more missions this calendar year,” she stated.

Since July 2024, Export Max IV has delivered strong results, supporting 37 companies and generating more than 150 export leads. Fifteen companies have entered new export markets, three began exporting for the first time, and overall export sales increased by 18 per cent across participating firms.

Launched in 2011, the Export Max Programme is implemented by JAMPRO in partnership with the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) and the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA).

JAMPRO provides technical support, while the JBDC drives capacity-building through targeted interventions that equip participating firms to access and service identified export markets.

The JMEA will pair participants with mentors from established entities across diverse industries, enabling them to benefit from shared services, industry knowledge, and connections to distributors in targeted markets.