USAID, others engage J’can stakeholders on boosting trade

From December 15 to December17, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in partnership with the US Embassy Kingston and the National Alliance for Black Business (NABB), conducted a trade scoping mission in Jamaica.

This initiative aims to prepare for the US–Caribbean Trade Mission 2025, which will coincide with Jamaica Expo 2025. The mission’s primary goal was to strengthen trade relations by connecting US Black-owned businesses with Caribbean enterprises, fostering innovation, expanding markets, and driving inclusive economic growth.

This trade scoping mission builds on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in August 2024 between USAID and NABB during the National Business League’s 124th National Black Business Conference. The MOU represents a pivotal step in promoting equitable trade, advancing workforce development, and fostering shared prosperity throughout the Caribbean region and beyond.

During their visit to Jamaica, the delegation engaged with a diverse group of stakeholders from the public and private sectors and tertiary education institutions. Public sector meetings included the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information; the Ministry of Industry, Investment, and Commerce; and the Jamaica Promotions Corporation.

In the private sector, the delegation met with representatives from the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica and several corporate foundations, including the NCB Foundation, Sandals Foundation, GraceKennedy Foundation, Facey Foundation, and Multicare Youth Foundation. Additionally, they visited leading tertiary institutions such as the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, The University of the West Indies, and the University of Technology Jamaica.

The Jamaican leg of the trade scoping mission identified strategic opportunities to deepen US-Jamaica cooperation and strengthen connections with existing and potential local partners. These insights will guide the planning and execution of the Trade Mission in March 2025, further advancing efforts to align US and Caribbean economic interests.