Head of the Jamaica Agricultural Development Foundation Vitus Evans has been re-elected to serve for a second term as president of the Jamaica Exporters’ Association (JEA). Evans was elected unopposed at the JEA’s Forty-fifth Annual General Meeting held at the Knutsford Court Hotel in Kingston on Thursday.

In his acceptance speech, Evans, an attorney-at-law, stated that exporters are operating in some of the most challenging times in our recent history as they confront challenges in the local market as well as contracting export markets with more stringent entry requirements.

Speaking on trade with Caricom, Evans noted that the trade figures for the period January to June 2010 saw a widening of the deficit by some US$5.8 million, moving from US$320.7 million in 2009 to US$326.5 million in 2010. He noted that not only did imports from CARICOM increase by 1.4 per cent from US$354.6 million in 2009 to US$ 359.4 million in 2010, but export earnings to Caricom fell by 2.9 per cent and as at June 2010 was $32.9 million.

Evans indicated that the JEA was not calling for a boycott of products from Trinidad, but rather, was encouraging exporters to reduce the trade deficit by increasing exports to Caricom. He reminded exporters that Caricom offers a market of approximately 37 million comprising nationals and tourists. He pointed out that under our Rules of Origin we have duty free access to this market.

The JEA President stated that his focus will be on seeking more collaborative efforts from members and other stakeholders to move the export sector and the country forward.

Evans added that despite the challenges presented by the current global financial crisis, the JEA is prepared to do everything possible to build the competitiveness of Jamaican exporters. He noted that Brand Jamaica remains a strong brand and as a country we must seek to maximize the tremendous opportunities that there is for Jamaican products internationally.