KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) says it recently hosted a trade mission from The Bahamas, which could see Jamaica begin to export pharmaceuticals to that country. 

The mission was geared towards promoting the export of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics manufactured in Jamaica.

The mission, which a JAMPRO release said took place February 14-16, facilitated meetings and visits with pharmaceuticals manufacturers and distributors as well as cosmetics manufacturers. 

The manufacturers, JAMPRO says, included Mac’s Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics, Supreme Chemicals, LASCO Pharmaceutical Division, Medimpex Jamaica, Uni-Med Health Care, Irie Rock, Ansel Development, among others.

Buyers from Coral Pharmaceuticals, one of the leading distributors of pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and medical supplies in The Bahamas were reportedly invited to visit Jamaica to explore the opportunity to purchase Jamaican products. 

Owner of Coral Pharmaceuticals, Paul Bevans, was quoted as saying that he was pleased with the Jamaican manufacturers and the quality of the products offered for purchase.

“Our mission to Jamaica was beyond our expectations. Coral Pharmaceuticals Limited will definitely benefit from this mission and is in the process of finalizing orders to be placed,” Bevans said. 

The company reportedly cited opportunities for a cosmetic and skincare line (featuring the popular Jamaica black castor oil), a wellness product line, a range of branded generics, and veterinary supplies. 

According to JAMPRO, data from the Statistical Institute of Jamaica indicates that pharmaceuticals and cosmetics have been contributing to the growing exports in chemicals, evidenced by a 15 per cent growth of chemical exports for January to November last year when compared to 2015.