KINGSTON, Jamaica –  Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) is seeking 10 export-ready small and medium sized enterprises (SME) for the second phase of its export development programme, Export Max II.

The phase II of Export Max II will target businesses in the fresh produce, limestone and non-food manufacturing industries. These SMEs have until February 18, 2015 to submit completed applications.

It is expected that the selected companies will receive support for three years to increase their export sales through business coaching and mentorship, the development of business and marketing strategies, market access support, capacity development training and other development initiatives. JAMPRO is encouraging small to medium sized firms to take part in this government programme that will give them direct assistance to develop their export sales.

JAMPRO’s President, Diane Edwards believes that the Export Max programme is essential to JAMPRO’s overall export development strategy in 2015.  Edwards says JAMPRO has been focused on executing initiatives that will assist companies with reaching their export goals and sustaining their progress. “There is much to be done to decrease the trade imbalance that currently affects Jamaica’s ability to earn and keep revenue; JAMPRO’s goal is to work solely, and with partners to correct that. Export Max II gives us the opportunity to give direct government assistance to firms in the hope of increasing their exports. Based on the achievements of Export Max I, we are sure that this hope will materialize into success,” she said.

Vice President of Export and Market Development, Robert Scott is also confident that Export Max II will bring positive results to participating firms. Scott said that the success of Export Max I was proof of the programme’s ability to transform companies’ export sales.

“Export Max I had many successful participants; Salada Foods Jamaica, Wynlee Trading and Southside Distributors are some of the firms that increased their export markets and sales in a significant way. We have seen that the initiative works, therefore, JAMPRO is committed to continuing this programme and developing the export potential of Jamaican SMEs,” he said.

JAMPRO says that working in partnership with the Development Bank of Jamaica, Scotiabank, Jamaica Productivity Centre, Heart Trust NTA and the Bureau of Standards Jamaica, it aims to grow the export sales of SMEs participating in Export Max II by 50 per cent.