JAMPRO is now inviting production and service companies to participate in the second staging of its expanded export programme, following the achievement of Export Max I.

Export Max II is designed to help 20 companies, which are already exporting or are export ready to increase their sales through the application of a customised developmental programme that features a number of capacity building initiatives.

The programme will run for three years, unlike the previous one and expression of interest (EOI) documents, including application forms, may be downloaded from JAMPRO’s website at www.jamaicatradeandinvest.org/tenders/exportmaxII. Deadline for applications is April 30, 2014.

With Export Max II, special emphasis will be placed on coaching and mentoring, with a number of established companies on board to share their experience.

“Emphasis will be placed on improving the level of productivity and efficiency of the participating companies. These companies should each be exporting to at least one new market and combined, should see a growth of approximately 50 per cent in export sales,” said Marlene Porter, manager of Export Development at JAMPRO.

The programme is open to firms that satisfy the eligibility criteria and operate within the priority sectors targeted under Jamaica’s National Export Strategy (NES) —agro-processing, manufacturing, creative industries and services (professional services and education).

President of JAMPRO, Diane Edwards noted that development of local exporters wouldn’t come overnight and success is dependent on support and linkages.

“We are mindful of the fact that sustained success in the export business is a marathon, not a sprint. Development takes time. It requires patience, support and partnership. This is what JAMPRO wants to be for local export producers through Export Max II — a reliable business partner,” said Edwards at the awards ceremony for Export Max I.

The pilot Export Max programme achieved significant success with the 15 participating small and medium businesses that benefited from capacity building and technical services as well as exposure at overseas trade shows.

Participating companies were drawn from the food and garment manufacturing/fashion sectors, and the initiative yielded an increase of 31 per cent in export sales of the companies.

New routes were found to market for 11 of the companies, which were able to access 33 new markets and to generate over 50 strong trade leads.

For Export Max II firms must be able to demonstrate the capacity to implement the required systems as well as financial viability. They will be assessed on business experience and export readiness, capacity to meet orders and respond quickly to market opportunities. They should also be able to show the potential impact of the business on the Jamaican economy and alignment to the goals of the NES.