Kingston, Jamaica – The Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) in partnership with the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) hosted an enlightening Business Information Session with exporters, geared at discussing sales and merchandising opportunities in the United Kingdom during the Olympics, on Tuesday, May 22 at the offices of JAMPRO.
JAMPRO and the JBDC have been actively engaging Jamaican exporters to participate in the initiatives to promote Jamaica in London for the Olympics. The Business Information Session furthered this mission by outlining Jamaica’s major marketing and promotional activities that will be executed from two prime locations – ‘Jamaica House’ at the O2 Arena in North Greenwich, East London and ‘Jamaica in the Square’ in Victoria Square, Birmingham.
JAMPRO President Sancia Bennett Templer, in her opening remarks, emphasized the need for the country to ensure that Jamaican products are present in London for this landmark occasion of the Olympics, which coincides with the Jamaica 50 celebrations. Delaine Morgan, Vice President of Trade and Business Development at JAMPRO, in her overview of the opportunities at Jamaica House, explained that an estimated 40,000 to 50,000 visitors are expected to pass through the 02 Arena daily.
The Jamaica House will feature a retail shops with the best of ‘Brand Jamaica’ in categories such as aromatherapy and wellness products, agro processing, gift and craft, fashion and accessories, music, literature and approved Jamaica 50 merchandise.
Harold Davis, JBDC Executive Director, discussed the agency’s role under its ‘Things Jamaican’ banner. He encouraged interested retailers to be prepared with their products and the volume to be sent to London.
He explained, “Birmingham will have a wider range of products to be sold while Jamaica House will be looking at packaged products that are grab and go. Both venues will have large numbers of persons passing through so we encourage you to be prepared.”
Also on board is the EXIM Bank who will be offering exporters heading to the London Olympics special loans at reduced interest rates. Beverly Johnson, Managing Director of JLB Manufacturing Ltd., added special shipping for exporters participating through JAMPRO and the JBDC.
Jamaica House, located within the O2 Arena, will feature a retail shop, restaurant, bar and entertainment area and takes place from August 3 – August 12. Jamaica in the Square is an 11-day free festival that takes place from August 2 – August 12. Other major promotional activities include the ‘Brixton Splash’ in Brixton London on August 5th and ‘I Love Jamaica Day’ in the Olympic Zone, London on August 12th.
