Dr. Andre Gordon, president of the Jamaica Exporters Association. - FILE
CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC:
A DELEGATION REPRESENTING several Jamaican importers, manufacturers and investors arrived here yesterday to stage a one-day exposition showcasing Jamaican products and services.
This is the first time in more than five years that a Jamaican trade mission will be visiting the country, providing an opportunity for St. Lucian consumers and business people to have face-to-face meetings with Jamaican producers.
The mission is also visiting four other Caribbean states in 12 days.
The delegation is being led jointly by Dr. Andre Gordon, president of the Jamaica Exporters Association, and Paulette Rhoden, director of missions at the Jamaica Manufacturers' Association.
GREAT IMPORTANCE
Dr. Jordan said that his mission is of great importance to Jamaica not only as it was the first trade mission to St. Lucia in many years, but it was also the first since the finalisation of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Single Market and Economy (CSME).
"The key objectives of the mission are to re-establish Jamaica's presence and present Brand Jamaica to our Caribbean partners," he said.
The companies participating in the trade mission will present a variety of products and services including spices and condiments, baked goods, soft drinks, plastic house wares, industrial products, cigars, coffee, pharmaceuticals, apparel, wooden craft giftware, paintings, processed foods, personal care products, leather goods, insecticides and household cleaning products.
OPPORTUNITY
President of the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Tecla Deterville, said that the local business community was looking forward to the opportunity to broaden trading links with Jamaican producers. She added that she was certain that St. Lucian and OECS producers would also be welcomed to expand their businesses into the Jamaican market.
The Jamaicans will stage their display at the Bay Gardens Hotel today as part of a mission that is also taking them to Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, Antigua, Barbuda and Barbados.
