The Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) is to lead a team of local companies for the upcoming Exposición Comercial Internacional (EXPOCOMER) scheduled to get underway from March 5-7 in Panama.

EXPOCOMER, which ranks as one of the largest trade shows in Central America, offers a multi-sectoral focus which zooms in on three main areas namely, food, beverage, and agricultural products; textile, clothes and accessories as well as technology and electronics.

Celebrating 40 years as the “World Trade Showcase”, the event staged by the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama (CCIAP) looks to welcome delegates from a number of countries across five continents. Last year the event is said to have attracted over 20,000 visitors, 800 companies, and 300 international buyers.

The global event acts as a model for the JMEA’s Expo Jamaica biennial tradeshow which also aims to connect Jamaica and the rest of the world through trade.

The Jamaican delegation, which will this year include companies such as Home Choice, PA Benjamin, Caribbean Foods and Pepsi Jamaica, is set to benefit from deepened partnerships with players in the Latin American market along with increased opportunities for export.

Executive director of the JMEA Kamesha Blake, in speaking about Jamaica’s participation in the upcoming event, said it will create a platform for local entrepreneurs to not only exhibit their products but to also tap into new markets as they look to further grow their businesses to boost global competitiveness. This, while taking advantage of the growing affinity for Caribbean culture and products and the island’s geographic proximity.

“By accessing this market, Jamaican exporters can seize a myriad of opportunities to expand their market presence and to solidify their position as significant contributors in the region,” she stated.

Vice-president for exports, logistics, and trade at the JMEA Stephen Dawkins, in further underscoring the significance of capitalising on opportunities in non-English-speaking markets such as Panama, said the language barriers should not impede export achievements but should instead motivate Jamaican manufacturers as they utilise Panama’s strategic position and robust trade infrastructure to propel growth for their businesses.

“In the current global economic landscape, Jamaican enterprises must embrace diverse markets like Panama. Language should never hinder the pursuit of valuable trade prospects,” he said.

Following a recent courtesy call to the Panamanian embassy, Ambassador of the Republic of Panama to Jamaica Dr Lasford Douglas spoke to his country’s role as a gateway for global expansion, one which currently acts as a bridge into emerging markets such as Africa.

In sharing data about Panama’s demographics, economics and culture, he further paved the way for equipping local companies with the necessary tools needed for successful trade interactions. The embassy also pledged its support to providing assistance for more local businesses that may want to navigate trade relations with the Central American country.