JAMPRO Partners With EU and Caribbean Export for Workshop on Economic Partnership Agreement

Kingston, Jamaica –  The European Union (EU) in Jamaica in collaboration with the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), and the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) hosted a workshop on the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) on October 2, 2018, at the Knutsford Court Hotel.

The workshop aimed to sensitize the business community and government departments on the benefits and opportunities of the EPA for Jamaican exporters and entrepreneurs.

The partners sought to address the challenges faced by small business exporters when competing in the European market. Attendees were introduced to several online tools that can aid Jamaican businesses to get information on the EU trade regime and EU Market, including the CE Intelligence Portal and the EU Export Helpdesk.

The EU Head of Delegation to Jamaica, Ambassador Malgorzata Wasilewska said ”Despite the opportunities the EPA presents, it is widely acknowledged that more needs to be done to help Caribbean businesses to reap the economic benefits of the EPA.  This workshop is therefore intended to support the efforts of the Government of Jamaica to ensure that the EPA is beneficial to local businesses and exporters”.

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The EPA provides benefits such as duty- and quota-free access for exports to the EU, predictable EU market access for Caribbean countries, and also makes it possible for CARIFORUM companies to set up a commercial presence in the EU. The agreement is focused on promoting cooperation in wide ranging areas relevant to trade and creating opportunities for much needed investment inflows into the region.

JAMPRO Vice President of Sales and Promotions, Claude Duncan said that with the information provided at the workshop, Jamaican exporters would learn about these benefits and other details of the agreement, and how it benefits them. With the EU, Caribbean Export, Jamaica Customs Agency and the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) to speak at the event, Mr. Duncan said that attendees would walk away empowered with a full picture of the EPA, and will have the opportunity to address difficulties faced by businesses that aim to enter Europe.

Caribbean Export maintains that trade, business intelligence and market research are critical for successful market entry.  “The introduction of the CE-Intelligence portal together with a suite of tools to support enhanced understanding of the benefits of the CARIFORUM-EU EPA by the participants of the workshop” said Chris McNair, Manager – Competitiveness and Export Promotion.

The Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO)’s mission is to drive economic development through growth in investment and export. JAMPRO is an Agency of the ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries.