A FTER an eight-year break, Jamaica’s premier national trade show returns to the National Arena this year, with a much more extensive and diverse exhibition under the theme ‘Buy Jamaican’.

Expo 2004, a joint project of the Jamaica Manufacturer’s Association (JMA) and the Jamaica Exporter’s Association, will be held from May 27 to 30 at the National Arena in Kingston.

Jamaican entrepreneurs participating in the trade show will be afforded the opportunity to showcase high quality, authentic Jamaican products in the manufacturing, exporting and service sectors, according to the organisers.

Speaking at the press launch on Friday, deputy president of the JMA, Raymond Miles, said that the organisation has consistently recognised the important role it played in promoting and encouraging Jamaican manufacturing operations that contributed to the economic welfare and development of Jamaica.

“In this effort, our mandate has been to create and foster diverse linkages with Jamaican producers from various sectors including industry, agriculture and the service sectors,” he said.

According to Miles, the revitalisation of the expo followed on the recent launch of the JMA’s “Buy Jamaican, Build Jamaica” campaign, encouraging Jamaicans to support local industry and jobs by buying quality local products.

“This was from a firm belief that in order for Jamaican industries to grow and contribute to economic development and job creation, Jamaican must begin supporting Jamaican products by consciously choosing quality Jamaican goods over imports,” he noted.

The expo, which will feature almost 200 booths, will seek to increase awareness of the high quality of products and services available locally and encourage Jamaicans to buy Jamaican, said the organisers.

President of the JEA, Dr Andre Gordon, said that the staging of the expo was timely, as it was an indication of the collaborative efforts which have begun, aiming to lead local companies in regaining Jamaica’s rightful place in the world trade.

“It is the strength of these partnerships that will continue to allow us to bring real value to the productive sector and to strengthen more of our companies to be able to complete on any stage with the best in the world,” he said.

In addition to displays and entertainment, the expo will feature seminars and workshops for entrepreneurs interested in increasing productivity and efficiency in their operations.