Boosting Growth: How Global Entrepreneurship Week Ignites Export Power!
Get ready to unlock your business’s global potential! In celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2024, a powerful alliance has formed between industry leaders, including the Trade Board Limited (TBL) and the Ministry of Industry, Investment & Commerce (MIIC), alongside the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA). Together, they hosted three dynamic export information sessions designed to empower ambitious entrepreneurs like you!
Over two exhilarating days, November 21 and 22, entrepreneurs and exporters from all walks of life gathered online to dive deep into the world of international trade and expand their reach beyond borders. This was more than just an event; it was an invitation to seize global opportunities and elevate your business to new heights!
Kamesha Turner Blake, the visionary executive director of JMEA, expressed her enthusiasm for this collaboration, stating, “The partnership between the JMEA and TBL has a rich history, making it a natural fit for GEW.” She emphasized that this powerful alliance harnesses the strengths of MIIC, TBL, and JMEA to arm entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and networks essential for thriving on the global stage.
Day one was a game-changer, featuring an electrifying presentation by Jason Mills, the mastermind behind systems engineering at TBL. Mills took participants on an immersive journey through EXPORTJamaica, a groundbreaking digital platform designed to simplify export procedures and empower Jamaican businesses to conquer global markets with confidence.
Attendees enjoyed a live demonstration that showcased the platform’s intuitive interface and time-saving capabilities, all while emphasizing how it enhances competitiveness for local exporters on the international scene. “EXPORTJamaica is a crucial step in our mission to help local businesses flourish globally by breaking down barriers and streamlining processes,” Mills declared.
The excitement continued on November 22 with a pivotal session titled ‘Leveraging Trade Agreements’. Led by Kanika Y. Tomlinson, senior legal counsel at TBL, this session unraveled the essential rules of origin for exporting Jamaican products. Tomlinson illuminated the significant advantages of utilizing Jamaica’s trade agreements to enjoy preferential market access.
“Trade agreements are game-changers, giving manufacturers and exporters a competitive edge. To experience no duties or significantly reduced duties in certain markets, you must leverage these agreements,” Tomlinson explained passionately.
Patricia Anderson, export manager at P.A. Benjamin Manufacturing Company Limited and a proud member of the JMEA, rallied the online audience to fully embrace trade agreements, urging them to explore their nuances and adapt their strategies accordingly. “Together, we can transform opportunities into realities and fuel a wave of growth across our industries,” she asserted.
In her stirring address, Anderson highlighted how trade agreements serve as bridges connecting local businesses to international markets, ultimately fostering growth, job creation, and economic resilience. “For the past 145 years, our success at P.A. Benjamin Manufacturing Company Limited has proven that trade agreements work, enabling us to bring the finest Jamaican products to the world,” she affirmed.
As the sessions progressed, the spotlight turned to export documentation, with Ockeem Thomas, administrator in the Export Certification Unit, leading an insightful discussion on the ‘Application Process for a Certificate of Origin’. This session provided a step-by-step guide for unlocking preferential treatment essential for export growth.
“The certificate of origin is vital for exporters, offering low or no duties on Jamaican goods in the receiving country. It’s a powerful tool for enhancing profitability,” Thomas stated. He reinforced TBL’s commitment to simplifying the application process so that Jamaican products can seamlessly reach global markets.
Althea Matthews, Acting Trade Administrator and CEO of TBL, praised the collaborative efforts, declaring, “Celebrating Global Entrepreneurship Week showcases Jamaica’s vibrant entrepreneurial landscape. Our partnership equips manufacturers of all sizes with the necessary tools to shine globally, paving the way for Jamaica’s economic transformation.”
“The enthusiasm shown by exporters who attended and those eager to access recordings is incredibly encouraging. This is the level of engagement we aim for, and we are excited to continue offering more public education sessions,” Matthews added.
The Trade Board Limited proudly champions the entrepreneurial spirit and export ambitions of Jamaican businesses during Global Entrepreneurship Week. These sessions are part of TBL’s broader strategy to promote export growth through initiatives like the Jamaica Trade Information Portal and EXPORTJamaica.
Ready to take your business to the next level? Schedule a personalized export session with us by contacting the Trade Board Limited at [email protected] or call 876-967-0507. Your global journey awaits!
