Growth & Jobs | 57 additional companies onboarded under JAMPRO’s EXPORT MAX programme

Fifty-seven companies have been onboarded under phase four of the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) EXPORT MAX programme.

The entities are slated to benefit from capacity development, export promotion, mentorship and advocacy over a two-year period.

Specific focus areas will include accounting management, productivity improvements, sales training, exporting, access to financial support, marketing plans, participation in missions and trade fairs, cross-border selling, closing deals and contract signings.

EXPORT MAX is designed to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of Jamaican companies to position themselves to enter into new and existing markets to facilitate growth.

In his remarks during the launch of EXPORT MAX IV on July 30 at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in Kingston, Industry, Investment and Commerce Minister, Senator Aubyn Hill, commended the organisers of the initiative, noting that it provides critical support to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) seeking to expand their goods and services into international markets.

“The importance of exporting cannot be[overstated]. It is the engine that will drive our GDP growth and elevate our per capita GDP. I am particularly proud of the 57 companies that are in the EXPORT MAX programme,” he said, pointing out that 36 of these entities are operated by women.

Meanwhile, in her remarks, JAMPRO President Shullette Cox said the agency, through its continuous interaction with exporters, noted the ongoing challenges MSMEs were experiencing in penetrating international markets.

To address these, she said the programme was redesigned and expanded during the phase for the third cohort, utilising public-private partnerships to respond to the MSMEs’ needs.

“We are committed to providing a comprehensive and customised suite of integrated solutions, dedicated to your export development and promotion,” Cox said.

She pointed out that EXPORT MAX will aid participating entities to unlock their full export potential through JAMPRO’s advocacy agenda, mentorship and coaching programme, as well as tailored development and promotional solutions.

“[This will help to] drive the success of your company through a unique blend of technical training, expert guidance and on-the-ground promotional activities, and expand your company’s global reach through established in-market connections and a proven formula to successfully enter new markets or expand into existing markets,” Cox said.

The JAMPRO president emphasised that EXPORT MAX aims to improve the competitiveness of local firms, drive heightened export earnings, and increase diverse export products.

“This will lead to further benefits, such as increased technical proficiency, enabling export growth, deepened understanding of accessing and exploiting export markets, expanded market access and opportunities,” she added.

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

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