JAMPRO Trade & Investment Jamaica

Business View Caribbean 5 ment of knowledge, skills, systems, and institutions. “On the export side,” says Edwards, “we are focused on fresh produce, processed food, manufacturing, mining, and creative industries. We identify compa- nies in those sectors and do an assessment of capac- ity and abilities to penetrate international markets. Once we have done this analysis, then we tailor-make assistance programs to their needs.” “For instance, one of the programs we have is called ‘Export Max,’” Edwards continues. “That program se- lects a small number of companies to give them in- depth assistance over a two- to three-year period. That assistance can mean ideas and support for product enhancement, product adaptation, changing packag- ing labeling and size – really adapting the product to make it more suitable to international market trends. There is also a mentoring component within this pro- gram, which encourages larger companies to help smaller ones.” JAMPRO also developed a National Export Strategy, which examined different sectors of the economy, and provided a roadmap for Jamaica to increase exports in those sectors. “If you look at produce, for instance, we’ve identified markets for sweet potato, yam, for melons, and other fresh fruits. We work with associa- tions like the Fresh Produce Consortium out of the UK, to ensure that our local farmers are meeting interna- tional specifications,” says Edwards. “We expect to see a big expansion in that area in 2016,” she adds. “If you look at limestone – we have very pure limestone in Jamaica – and are currently shipping to places as far