Catch Up with the JMEA Newsletter 2023 Year-In-Review

CATCH UP WITH THE

VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 2

In this Issue A Message from the President Projects and Undertakings

2023 YEAR-IN-REVIEW THWAITES’ INSIGHTS

JMEA Staff Update New Member Roll Out Advocacy Efforts

The successes of 2023, marked by sustained economic growth and increased exports, showcase the resilience of our local manufacturers in the face of challenges. The JMEA approach has been fine-tuned to meet the dynamic needs of our members. Looking forward to 2024, key plans include our

Factory Tours Major Events Recap Upcoming Events

participation in FOODEX Japan 2024 and the upcoming Export Max Programme cohort, aligning with our commitment to empower SME Members for export success. With shared commitment and unity, I am confident in the JMEA's continued flourishing and leadership in the industry in 2024.

JMEA & HEART/NSTA TRUST MOU The Association renew its partnership with HEART/NSTA Trust to collaborate on a skill sector council that will balance representation across manufacturing sector. The signing of the MoU was done in March 2023 as a means to reaffirm both parties’

shared

commitment

to

advancing

workforce

development by expanding training programmes that not only align with industry needs but also remain adaptable to emerging trends and technologies. This partnership shall increase and strengthen the participation of JMEA members in the Apprenticeship Programme as well as Job Placement Facilities coordinated by the HEART NSTA Trust.

JANUARY 2023-DECEMBER 2023

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MINISTERIAL MISSION TO GUYANA JMEA Vice President Richard Coe and other members joined the delegation of Jamaican representatives for the trade mission in Guyana.

The objective of this Ministerial Mission was to solidify business opportunities between the two countries, investment

including

bolstering

opportunities

for

trade

and

Jamaican

companies. The team was led by Senator the Honourable Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce.

JMEA & HONEY BUN FOUNDATION PARTNERSHIP On March 1, 2023, leaders of the JMEA and The Honey Bun Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), giving JMEA member companies,

30

per

cent

of

which

are

categorized as ‘small companies’, access to their Advisory Committee Model. This MoU solidifies the JMEA’s commitment to follow the Foundation’s

tried

and

tested

strategic

roadmap to help give the businesses a boost.

The Honey Bun Foundation, which is the philanthropic

arm

of

Honey

Bun

Limited,

developed the Advisory Committee Model as part of its mandate to create various business empowerment models for SMEs to help them grow and thrive. The Advisory Committee Model pairs qualifying SMEs with teams of expert advisors from various fields for a period of 12 months.

JANUARY 2023-DECEMBER 2023 | VOL 3 • ISSUE 2

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JMEA & CARIBSHOPPER PARTNERSHIP The

Jamaica

Association

Manufacturers (JMEA)

has

and

Exporters

partnered

with

Caribshopper, an e-commerce marketplace that allows the Caribbean consumer to shop US retailers and Caribbean retailers all from one central

app.

Thursday,

This

February

initiative 23rd,

was

2023

at

launched Outpost

Republic, 80 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston Jamaica.

Under

this

established

partnership,

JMEA

member companies especially medium-sized, small, and micro enterprises (MSMEs) will have the opportunity to compete in the world market as they tend to have a great deal of difficulty in appointing distributors in countries like the USA, UK, and Canada.

JMEA & COUNCIL OF COMMUNITY COLLEGES JAMAICA (CCCJ) PARTNERSHIP On

March

22,

2023,

the

JMEA

formalized

a

groundbreaking partnership with CCCJ through FHI 360's

Advancement

Programme.

Under

this

partnership, the JMEA and CCCJ will collaboratively identify JMEA member companies to provide invaluable

work

experience

and

on-the-job

training opportunities for students pursuing Agroprocessing studies at CCCJ member institutions.

JANUARY 2023-DECEMBER 2023 | VOL 3 • ISSUE 2

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND FOREIGN TRADE COURTESY VISIT A three-member delegation from the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) participated

in

the

FOODEX

JAPAN

2023

Observation Tour — a strategic opportunity as Jamaican exporters seek greater access to the Japanese food and beverage market.

The Embassy of Jamaica in Tokyo secured the invitation and sponsorship from the Japan Management

Association

(JMA)

for

the

delegation to attend the Observation Tour, as part of the 48th staging of the International Food and Beverage Exhibition (FOODEX JAPAN 2023) held from March 7–10.

The delegation, comprised of Past Presidents John Mahfood and Richard Pandohie, along with Executive Director Mrs. Kamesha Blake, actively engaged with sponsors and exhibitors to gain valuable insights. Their mission paved the way for JMEA members to participate in FOODEX JAPAN as full exhibitors in FOODEX 2024, March 5-8. The JMEA remains committed to expanding market opportunities for Jamaican products, with an initial focus on spices, condiments, and beverages.

THE EMBASSY OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA COURTESY VISIT On March 30, 2023 JMEA President John Mahfood, Vice President Lisa Johnston, Vice President Andrew Wildish and Executive Director Kamesha Blake met with Ambassador Chen Daojiang from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China.

The discussion centered on fostering cooperation between Jamaica and China in various sectors, including

including

trade

and

manufacturing.

Additionally, the conversation highlighted Jamaica's

participation

in

the

International

Import

Expo,

commitment

to

enhancing

China

signaling

a

bilateral

economic ties.

JANUARY 2023-DECEMBER 2023 | VOL 3 • ISSUE 2

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JMEA & CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE REPUBLIC OF CUBA COURTESY VISIT Following

a

meeting

in

April

with

Cuban

Ambassador Fermin Quinones, the The Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) engaged with a business delegation led by the Chamber of Commerce of The Republic of Cuba in May. The delegation was comprised of companies related to the construction, biotechnology, iron, and steel industries. The meeting was to identify companies interested in doing or promoting business with Cuba.

SPEED NETWORKING On March 16, 2023, the Ministry of Tourism through the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), collaborated with key industry players such as the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association

(JMEA),

Jamaica

Corporation

(JAMPRO),

Rural

Development

Authority

(RADA),

Promotions Agricultural and

the

Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), to host a speed networking event at the Montego Bay Conference Centre. The event facilitated fifteen-minute meetings between Managing Directors/General Managers/CEOs of local

supplier

companies

and

Owners/Managers of various tourism entities, including properties, restaurants, attractions, and more, throughout the day. JMEA members participated and were actively engaged in the event, seizing the opportunity to connect with potential buyers in the hotel industry.

JANUARY 2023-DECEMBER 2023 | VOL 3 • ISSUE 2

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THE INDIAN DELEGATION The Indian Delegation met with the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) on April 25, 2023 to discuss how a partnership with the JMEA can be used to strengthen the trade relationship between Jamaica and India.

The delegation came to Jamaica to attend Expo Jamaica 2023

to identify potential areas of

collaboration to forge new partnerships with Jamaican manufacturers and exporters.

HIGH COMMISSION OF INDIA MEET & GREET The High Commission organised a Business interaction session at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, a Meet & Greet session with our 17-member trade delegation from India, led by Dr. Asif Iqbal, President of Indian Economic Trade Organisation (IETO). The session received an overwhelming response from the local business and around 200 representatives from about 70 companies of different trades participated.

The event provided platform for both the sides to interact and discuss business. It has given a new start for discussions of business which is expected to continue in future as well. On this occasion, three (3) MoUs were signed.

JMEA & SKILLS AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION The Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) held a meeting with Senator Dania Morris Dixon, August 23, 2023, to discuss Skills Development and Digital Transformation for the productive sector.

Present at the meeting from the JMEA was then

President

John

Mahfood,

Deputy

President Syndey Thwaites, Director Robert Scott, Executive Director Kamesha Blake and Business

Development

and

Manager Najuequa Barnes.

Programme

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EXPO JAMAICA 2023 The JMEA’s iconic Expo Jamaica returned to the National Arena and Indoor Sports Centre from April 27-30 2023 under the theme, ‘Connecting the World to Jamaica’. Expo Jamaica proved to be a major success, emerging as the largest expo to date. We facilitated a platform for 230 exhibitors, filling a staggering 350 booth spaces. Companies engaged in high-value networking, establishing crucial connections, and strengthening contacts with around 800 buyers spanning 30 countries, alongside reaching over 15,000 consumers. The next staging will be from April 3-6, 2025.

JANUARY 2023-DECEMBER 2023 | VOL 3 • ISSUE 2

JMEA GOES

S LAR

WITH JERA The Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) is a proud member of the Jamaica Energy Resilience Alliance (JERA), which, in partnership with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), leads the Strengthening Energy Sector Resilience in Jamaica (SESR-Jamaica) programme. SESR-Jamaica aims to strengthen Jamaica’s energy sector with the ability to rebound quickly from disasters by supporting the enabling environment for the adoption of distributed and resilient renewable energy technologies, specifically solar photovoltaics (PV) and PV with battery storage (PV+). Through this programme and with USAID funding, JERA offers one-on-one technical assistance to help Jamaican businesses understand the benefits, access financing, and navigate the regulatory and installation processes for a PV/PV+ system.

This has led to dozens of JMEA members participating in the programme and many installing systems for their businesses. To date, JERA has supported PV/PV+ projects in Jamaica with a combined more than 2 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity, some of which are with JMEA members.

Jamaica Macaroni added a 143-kilowatt peak (kWp) gridtied solar system to their facility that has been accruing monthly savings since it was installed in January 2023.

Ping’s Distributors installed a 43kWp grid-tied system, which supports their daily manufacturing operations and generates financial benefits in the form of lower JPS bills.

Hear more about Ping’s experience going solar by watching

their

customer

testimonial

here:

https://www.youtube.com/@jamaicaenergyresilience7691

JAMAICA MACARONI FACTORY

Two of Jamaica’s largest companies, LASCO and JP Farms, have also committed to installing solar with JERA engagement. LASCO is far advanced in the installation of one of the largest hybrid solar PV systems on the island, at 500kWp and 1,200kWh of storage capacity at their White Marl facility in St. Catherine; while JP Farms is set to install a combined 187kWp with 293kWh of storage capacity to power several of the pumps on their farms in St. Mary for 2024.

JANUARY 2023-DECEMBER 2023 | VOL 3 • ISSUE 2

JMEA GOES

S LAR

WITH JERA C O N T I N U E D

Since 2021, JERA has added value by conducting market

development

activities

aimed

at

addressing access to financing and identification of qualified installers. JERA conducted an initial screening

of

interested

local

and

regional

installers to ensure they have the minimum qualifications and meet quality standards to serve

businesses

under

the

SESR-Jamaica

programme. Additionally, JERA delivered training

PING'S FABRICS

to more than 100 local installers to expand the pool of internationally qualified PV professionals in Jamaica. Finally, JERA is working directly with local,

regional,

and

international

financial

This opportunity is available for a limited time. Do not miss your chance to receive JERA's no-cost, no-commitment support. Join the dozens of

institutions to help improve access to PV/PV+

Jamaican businesses already on their way to

financing for Jamaican businesses. Jamaican

going

businesses are benefitting from this work and

www.cadmusgroup.com/jamaicaenergy, or email

being introduced to qualified installers and

us

financing options through SESR-Jamaica.

Receive

solar at

with

JERA

by

signing

up

at

jamaicaenergy@cadmusgroup.com. a

no-cost,

no-commitment

site

assessment; access to a database of financing options and list of qualified solar installers; and informational materials aimed at demystifying the process of greening your business with solar energy. Sign up and start your solar journey today! - Contributed by: The CADMUS Group, JERA LASCO MANUFACTURING JANUARY 2023-DECEMBER 2023 | VOL 3 • ISSUE 2

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- ADVOCACY EFFORTS CONTINUED

JMEA TRADE MISSION TO THE BAHAMAS The Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) organized and successfully executed its first trade mission to the Bahamas in October 2023. This mission was conducted in collaboration with the Small Business Development Commission in the Bahamas (SBDC) and the Bahamas Trade Commission.

The mission took place from October 9th to 13th, 2023, and involved seven manufacturing and exporting companies from the association: CB Group, Jamaican Broilers Ltd, FosRich Group of Companies, Dynamic Chemicals, Spur Tree Island Spices, Jamaican Ideale Herbs and Spices, and Thomovybes Manufacturing and Distributors.

The delegation, led by Mr. Robert Scott as Chef de Mission, participated in multiple business-tobusiness meetings with Bahamian companies. They also conducted valuable site visits to various company locations, gaining further insight into the Bahamian business landscape.

This trade mission was a significant success, fostering valuable connections and paving the way for increased trade and collaboration between Jamaican and Bahamian companies.

JANUARY 2023-DECEMBER 2023 | VOL 3 • ISSUE 2

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STAFF UPDATE

Welcome to the Team!

It is with mixed emotions that we bid farewell to longstanding

Teisha Mitchell

members of our team. Andrea Leslie, our Membership Services &

Accountant

Special Projects Manager, Nicqui Graveney, our Project Coordinator and Andrea Johnson, our Executive Assistant, have moved on to new

opportunities,

and

while

we

will

miss

their

valuable

contributions, we celebrate the growth and success that awaits them.

Shanique Gordon Marketing, Public Relations and Events Manager

Alexcia DePass Membership Engagement Officer

Johnoi Elliston Senior Business Development and Programme Officer

I N T E R N S Pascual Gray Marketing & PR Intern from UTECH, Ja - BaCAT

Tashian Barrett Membership & Research Intern

Tavina Grant Accounts Intern from HEART NSTA Trust

JANUARY 2023-DECEMBER 2023 | VOL 3 • ISSUE 2

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JANUARY 2023-DECEMBER 2023 | VOL 3 • ISSUE 2

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JMEA’S ADVOCACY EFFORTS O U R

M E M B E R S

M A T T E R S

FRONT OF PACKAGE LABELING (FOPL) The review of CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) Draft Regional Standard (DCRS) 5 Labelling of Foods for the CARICOM Region, which began in 2018, continued into 2023 due to stakeholder disagreements on the FOPL Model. Jamaica abstained from voting on the FDCRS 5 Labelling of Foods, resulting in a deadlock. The standard's intended voluntary implementation status is contingent on a 75% vote from CARICOM Member States, and the Jamaican Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) is awaiting feedback from all 15 CARICOM Member States, with the process expected to conclude in December 2023. Once all national positions are received, CROSQ will proceed to the next steps.

FOPL JOINT WORKING GROUP The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) requested the JMEA to participate in a joint working group, alongside the National Compliance and Regulatory Authority (NCRA) and the Ministry of Industry Investment and Commerce (MIIC), to address the implementation of FOPL in Jamaica. The goal is to develop strategies to mitigate potential negative impacts, with discussions ongoing beyond the initially planned period of January to April 2023.

JANUARY 2022-DECEMBER 2022 | VOL 3 • ISSUE 1

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ELIMINATION OF TRANS FATS FROM FOODS The Ministry of Health and Wellness invited the Jamaican Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) to participate in a joint working group focused on eliminating industrially produced trans fats.

The group aims to develop practical and sustainable recommendations, implementing strategies such as banning the import of partially hydrogenated oils, eliminating trans fatty acids from the food supply

by December 2025, and enacting legislation by the same date to enforce the removal of these fats. The working group, consisting of JMEA, the National Compliance and Regulatory Authority, the Ministry of Industry Investment and Commerce, and the Ministry of Health and Wellness, operates from the end of January 2023 to December 2026. Currently, a work plan for the period 2023-2028 is under review.

In addition to being a part of the joint working group,

the

JMEA

in

collaboration

with

the

International Food and Beverage Alliance (IFBA), Cargill, and PepsiCo hosted a webinar on April 4, 2023, discussing the Elimination of Trans Fats from Foods. This was coordinated by Joy Angulu and led

by Dr. André Gordon, then Vice-President of JMEA who brought opening remarks and facilitated by Mrs. Sandra McLeish, JMEA Board Director. Mr. Julien Lafleur,

Deputy

Secretary

General

of

the

International Food and Beverage Alliance (IFBA) shared remarks and the keynote speaker was Dr. the Honourable Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health and Wellness.

ISSUE WITH OFFSITE ACKEE PROCESSING On August 16, 2023, a meeting was held with Minister Aubyn Hill and respective teams to discuss responsibilities and procedures for ackee cleaning and processing. Subsequent meetings and communications occurred between September and October 2023, involving JMEA, JAPA, and the Ministry of Industry Investment and Commerce, addressing concerns and recommended actions. On October 13, 2023, the BSJ announced the modification of the DJS 276: 2023 Draft Jamaican Standard Specification for Processed Ackee due to health and safety threats, invoking Article 2.10 of the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade. The modified standard underwent public enquiry from October 13 to November 15, 2023, with virtual sensitization sessions held on October 25 and November 8, 2023. The review of the Ackee Standard is ongoing in National Foods Standards Technical Committee Meetings, with the intention to promulgate the modified standard on January 1, 2024.

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- ADVOCACY EFFORTS CONTINUED

JMEA PHARMACEUTICAL & COSMETICS SECTORS A meeting held on October 26, 2023, aimed to gather insights from members regarding specific issues they were facing, intending to relay these concerns to Dr. The Honourable Minister Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health and Wellness. Subsequently, on November 30, 2023, JMEA organized a meeting with the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) to discuss similar challenges. A letter was sent to Minister Tufton, requesting a joint meeting in early January 2024, involving the Ministry of Health and Wellness, JMEA, and JCC to address these issues collaboratively.

INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A COORDINATED LABORATORY STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK AND IMPLEMENTATION PLAN The Foundations for Competitiveness and Growth Project (FCGP), along with the Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation (JANAAC) and the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC), conducted a consultancy titled "Development of a Coordinated Laboratory Strategic Framework and Implementation Plan for Jamaica." The objective was to create a framework for Conformity Assessment Bodies, particularly laboratories, supporting the evaluation of plant, animal health, and food safety. Two in-person focus group meetings on March 30, 2023, addressed challenges faced by companies in exporting products and testing them in Jamaican laboratories. Two online focus group sessions followed on April 12 and April 13, 2023. On November 22, 2023, a workshop facilitated by JANAAC and MIIC gathered insights from stakeholders, contributing to the draft Coordinated Laboratory Strategic Framework. This collective knowledge aims to finalize the strategic framework and implementation plan for Jamaica.

GEF LAC CITIES PROJECT STEERING COMMITTEE On July 20, 2023, the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC) convened a Global Environment Facility (GEF) Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) Project Steering Committee, with JMEA as a member. The project aims to reduce marine plastics and plastic pollution in the Latin American and Caribbean Region by promoting circular actions at the city level. Implementation activities will occur nationally, focusing on Kingston and Montego Bay. St. James Municipal Corporation and Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation will serve as City Focal Points.

Meanwhile, NEPA is in the process of developing a National Policy on Single Use Plastics, led by consultant Dr. Kerrine Senior. Jamaica is also actively participating in global negotiations for a new legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, with three meetings held in Uruguay, Paris, and Nairobi from December 2022 to November 2023, aiming to finalize the instrument in early 2024. A meeting with the Private Sector will provide updates on the Technical Working Group's progress.

VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 1

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RECYCLING PARTNERS OF JAMAICA (RPJ) JMEA has forged a partnership with Recycling Partners of Jamaica (RPJ).

Since then there has been a notable increase

in

the

recovery

rate

of

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and High-Density

Polyethylene

(HDPE)

Bottles from 16.3% to 30% between January and October 2023. Following discussions with RPJ Chairman Dr. Damien King and Minister without Portfolio Matthew Samuda on February 28, 2023, it was affirmed that no imminent actions, such as higher deposits, were planned. Approval from Factories Corporation

of

Jamaica

(FCJ)

allowed

the

establishment of a depot in Naggos Head, St. Catherine. Substantial investments were made to acquire four Harmony Balers, commissioned in Naggos Head, Bogue, and St. Thomas. A DRS Stakeholders meeting on September 14, 2023, updated stakeholders on RPJ's developments, with an official launch of the RPJ Naggos Head Recycling Plant on December 14, 2023. A video showcasing the Harmony Baler in operation was shared on JMEA's social media platforms on October 24, 2023.

RECENT ECONOMIC INDICATORS BANK OF JAMAICA (BOJ) BOJ policy interest rate is 7% As of November 2022

STATISTICAL INSTITUTE OF JAMAICA (STATIN) Point to Point inflation rate is 5.1% October 2022 vs 2023

Jamaica’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased by 1.9% in 2023’s third quarter (July to September 2022)

Jamaica’s Manufacturing Industry GDP increased by 3.2% in 2023’s third quarter (July to September 2022)

Jamaica’s total export earnings increased by 30.6 % to US$1,226.7 million.

(January to July 2023) JANUARY 2022-DECEMBER 2022 | VOL 3 • ISSUE 1

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STEP-UP EXPORT WITH TRADE AGREEMENTS DISSEMINATION SEMINAR On May 16, 2023, the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) partnered with the Trade Board Ltd. and the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC) to host a successful Step-Up Export with Trade Agreements Dissemination Seminar. The seminar featured a presentation by the Trade Board Ltd. on the findings of their year-long project focused on encouraging the use of Jamaica's Trade Agreements. This project involved conducting site visits with manufacturers and exporters, providing educational workshops on utilizing Trade Agreements, and guiding them through the necessary procedures and requirements to reap the benefits of these agreements.

Mr. Stephen Dawkins, Director of the JMEA, delivered a thought-provoking presentation titled "Negotiating the Challenges of Export – A Member's Perspective." His insights resonated with the audience and offered valuable guidance to aspiring and established exporters.

The seminar was a resounding success, promoting awareness and understanding of Trade Agreements and their potential to enhance export activities for Jamaican businesses.

JANUARY 2023-DECEMBER 2023 | VOL 3 • ISSUE 2

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EXPORT READINESS FOR EXPORT GROWTH The

Jamaica

Manufacturers

and

Exporters

Association (JMEA) partnered with the Jamaica Promotions

Corporation

(JAMPRO)

to

host

a

webinar titled "Export Readiness for Export Growth" on July 5, 2023. The webinar was specifically designed

to

empower

potential

exporters.

MSME

The

exporters

session

and

focused

on

practical opportunities for Jamaican businesses to expand exports, market intelligence on key export destinations like the United States of America (USA) and Canada, along with the benefits of participating in the Export Max Programme Cohort IV.

The

collaborative

effort

aimed

to

equip

participants with knowledge and resources to navigate the export landscape successfully and achieve sustainable growth.

THE MSME BUSINESS ROADSHOW AND THE BUSINESS PITCH COMPETITION The JMEA actively participated in the MSME Business Roadshows, a joint initiative by the Ministry of Industry, Investment & Commerce (MIIC) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Alongside MIIC agencies, the JMEA travelled across the island to Mandeville (July 27th), Montego Bay

(November

9th),

and

Kingston

(November 21st) for a series of engaging events.

These

events

included

Business

Pitch

Competitions, Business Forums, and Expos, offering

valuable

opportunities

for

companies to grow and thrive. The JMEA served as both an exhibitor and presenter, showcasing its services and expertise to support businesses in their journey to "Start, Innovate, Export & Grow."

JANUARY 2023-DECEMBER 2023 | VOL 3 • ISSUE 2

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PUBLIC BODIES DATABASE OF PROSPECTIVE DIRECTORS (DPD)- SENSITIZATION SESSION The

Jamaica

Manufacturers

and

Exporters

Association (JMEA), in collaboration with the Ministry

of

Finance

and

the

Public

Service,

conducted an informative session on the recently introduced Database of Prospective Directors (DPD) for Public Bodies on August 23, 2023. The webinar, hosted by Ms. Antonia Armstrong, saw attendance from more than 30 members. The aim of this session was to enhance the governance and accountability framework of public bodies within

the

central

government,

promoting

increased integrity, efficiency, and transparency. It also seeks to establish an orderly and systematic procedure for the nomination, selection, and appointment of individuals to the boards of public bodies in Jamaica.

COURTESY VISIT TO KINGSTON WHARVES LIMITED (KWL) JMEA President Sydney Thwaites and other JMEA Executives attended a breakfast meeting on November 24, 2023 at KWL's Total Logistics Facility Board Room. The team

discussed

shipping,

matters

and

the

pertinent JMEA

to

were

accompanied on a guided tour of the KWL terminal.

CEO

Limited,

Mark

of

Kingston

Williams,

Wharves

Corah-Ann

Sylvester, CEO of Seaboard Jamaica and other members of the KWL and Seaboard management teams also participated in the event.

JANUARY 2023-DECEMBER 2023 | VOL 3 • ISSUE 2

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COURTESY FACTORY VISIT TO JMEA MEMBERS Courtesy factory visits were conducted by the President John Mahfood and Executive Director, Kamesha Blake. Occasionally they would be accompanied by Directors, members of the Secretariat, and the media to the following member companies:

NATIONAL EXPORTERS' MONTH TOUR AND LEARN In celebration of National Exporters Month, the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) partnered with J. Wray and Nephew Ltd. to host an informative and engaging Factory Tour and Learn event on May 29, 2023.

Six beverage MSME member companies, including Journey's End Wine Company Ltd., Derbar Distributors, Top Brands International, Jamhill Food & Beverage Processors Ltd., Wah Manufacturing Ltd., and KRB Lea Jamaica Rums Ltd., participated in the event, along with an invitation extended to JAMPRO. The tour provided a valuable opportunity for participants to gain firsthand experience and insights into J. Wray and Nephew's extensive operations, encompassing production, bottling, and logistics.

This immersive experience allowed members to learn from industry experts and explore best practices within the beverage manufacturing sector.

JANUARY 2023-DECEMBER 2023 | VOL 3 • ISSUE 2

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GOLDEN TOURISM DAY AWARDS The Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) was awarded the 2023 Tourism Resilience Award on December 10, 2023 for our stellar contribution in improving the sustainability and resilience of the tourism sector.

THE GRATITUDE CAMPAIGN The JMEA's 75th-anniversary celebrations concluded with the Gratitude campaign.

Notable individuals were surprised with limited edition JMEA Gift Boxes from JMEA Executive Director, Kamesha Blake, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the association. These exclusive gift boxes offered members and sponsors an opportunity to feature their products, gaining visibility through social media posts. The creation and sponsorship of the gift boxes were made possible by Label House Group, with additional support from National Commercial Bank (NCB), General Supplies Limited, Black Ink Images & Signs Limited, Seprod Group of Companies, Lasco Manufacturing Limited, P.A Benjamins, Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority (JSEZA), Jamaica Biscuit Company, SK Manufacturing, and Arc Manufacturing Limited.

JANUARY 2023-DECEMBER 2023 | VOL 3 • ISSUE 2

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JAMAICA CUSTOMS AGENCY STAKEHOLDER APPRECIATION & AWARDS CEREMONY The Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) was recognized by the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) for its significant contribution to Trade Facilitation on May 24, 2023.

M&E AWARDS CEREMONY The JMEA hosted its 6th Annual Manufacturers & Exporters (M&E) Awards in association with VM Group on Saturday, September 30, 2022, at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel. This grand occasion was held under theme, ‘Adapt Innovation, Embrace Productivity to Drive Global Success.’ This year’s gala was marked by elegance and sophistication, drawing inspiration from the iconic world of James Bond.

Recognition was given to 35 companies and 14 outstanding individuals vying for 23 awards.

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JMEA & MINISTRY OF TOURISM COURTESY VISIT On November 21, 2023, President of the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA), Sydney Thwaites, paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, at his New Kingston office. During the meeting, Minister Bartlett and Mr. Thwaites discussed the significant connection tourism

between

sectors,

manufacturers

the

manufacturing

focusing

can

scale

on up

how and

and local

increase

capacity to meet the growing demand of the tourism industry. Mr. Thwaites emphasized the substantial contribution of tourism to Jamaica's manufacturing sector and acknowledged the valuable insights that can be gained from the Ministry of Tourism's data-driven approach to decision and policy making. Additionally, it was highlighted that President Thwaites will lead the Manufacturing Technical Group of the Tourism Linkages Network (TLN), a division of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), during his tenure from 2023-2024.

Upcoming Events Factory Tours Expo Jamaica 2025 Reveal Webinars National Exporters’ Month - May Annual General Meeting M&E Awards 2024 National Manufacturers’ Month - October

JANUARY 2023-DECEMBER 2023 | VOL 3 • ISSUE 2

returns

April 3 - 6 2025 @expojamaica

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For more information contact: jmea@jmea.org | (876) 922-8880-3 Head Office: 85a Duke Street, Kingston Corporate Office: 8 Haughton Avenue, Kingston 10 Website: www.jmea.org