BKingston, Jamaica – The Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), through its buyer recruitment drive, has so far secured the participation of just under 400 local and international buyers for the upcoming Expo Jamaica 2012 trade show, which is scheduled to take place at the National Arena from April 26 to 29.
To date, JAMPRO has successfully recruited 390 buyers from 21 countries, with 191 of them hailing from overseas. The remaining 199 are local buyers.
According to JAMPRO President Sancia Bennett Templer the record number of quality buyers that the organization has been able to attract from major markets across the globe is indicative of the strong appeal of Brand Jamaica goods and services. She noted that JAMPRO is also encouraged by the strong presence of local buyers, who in keeping with their belief and commitment in the Brand, are looking to forge new strategic business linkages.
An enthused Berletta Henlon Forrester, JAMPRO’s Export Promotion Manager, also added, “JAMPRO is very keen on securing the business results of Expo Jamaica. Our team has been mobilized to encourage and facilitate business interactions between buyers and exhibitors, particularly on the two designated buyer days, April 26 – 29. We are creating the forum and the environment in which negotiations can take place; and we anticipate that our local suppliers will seize the opportunity to secure business with local and international buyers.”
Held every two years and widely acknowledged as Jamaica’s premier trade event, Expo Jamaica is organised by the Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association (JMA) and the Jamaica Exporters’ Association (JEA) in collaboration with JAMPRO, the official buyer recruitment partner. JAMPRO previously coordinated and implemented successful buyer recruitment programmes for the 2008 and 2010 shows.
Brian Pengelley, President of JMA, added, “We are absolutely thrilled with the work that JAMPRO has done in selling Expo Jamaica and the success gained, as we will have a record number of buyers registering to visit the show.”
The event will see the participation of major international distributors who supply well-known retailers such as Wal-Mart, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Winn-Dixie Stores Inc. and Walgreens.
Locally, there has been strong support from buyers such as PriceSmart, Sandals Resort International, The Tryall Club, Bashco, Mega Mart and several locally-based international food chains. Two hundred Jamaican firms will showcase the best of Brand Jamaica at the event, displaying over 2,000 quality products.
Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association will be taking a delegation of buyers, which includes 15 member companies of the Association, to explore enhanced trade between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. Also attending is Trinidad and Tobago Trade Minister the Hon. Stephen Cadiz.
Expo Jamaica 2012 will be taking place in a milestone year for Jamaica, with the Jamaica 50 festivities and the London 2012 Olympics taking centre stage. These events will serve to enhance Jamaica’s global image and create heightened interest in Jamaica as a business destination.
