The Department of Trade, Industry, and Fair Competition in collaboration with the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) hosted the TCI-JA Virtual Trade Mission 2022 from March 7 - 8, 2022.
The Virtual Trade Mission connected buyers, importers, agents, and distributors from the Turks and Caicos Islands with exporters from Jamaica. The main objectives were:
- To enhance trade cooperation between the TCI and Jamaica;
- To assist with the diversification of the TCI’s trade partners;
- To increase awareness of export ready Jamaican product offerings to buyers in the TCI; and
- To foster business transactions by providing a meeting platform for scheduled business interactions.
The Mission commenced on March 7, 2022, with an Opening Ceremony. Key among the dignitaries in attendance were the Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, Trade, and Investment of the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Hon. E. Jay Saunders; and the Minister of Industry, Investment, and Commerce of Jamaica, Senator the Honourable Minister Aubyn Hill.
In his Opening Statement, the Hon. E. Jay Saunders welcomed the initiative and noted that it was a start in getting the Turks and Caicos Islands where it needs to be in terms of meeting its own food security needs. He also noted that there was a lot to learn from Jamaica, and that both countries can work together to meet regional food security needs.
Senator the Honourable Minister Aubyn Hill agreed with the Deputy Premier’s sentiments. He further added that even though the Mission was one of many business match-making events between the Turks and Caicos Islands and Jamaica, the world has changed over the past two years. Hence, there is need for greater trade integration between the two countries.
Over the course of the Mission, 20 importers from the Turks and Caicos Islands met with 36 Jamaican exporters for 89 B2B meetings. Discussions focused on 11 different product categories, namely sauces, seasonings, and condiments; fresh produce; herbs and spices; herbal teas; salty and sweet snacks; beauty and personal care items; paper products; beverages; coffee; clothing and accessories; and chemicals and cleaning products.
The delegation of TCI importers represented businesses from all across the TCI, including Providenciales, Grand Turk, North Caicos, and South Caicos. All delegates reported that the Mission proved beneficial to their businesses as high-value virtual connections were made with Jamaican sellers in real time. Additionally, delegates did not have to leave their homes or offices to benefit from the Mission, hence reducing the cost of travel and time, as well as the potential transmission of COVID-19. One-on-one B2B meetings also allowed for more individualized and catered discussions between potential prospects.
As part of its evaluation process, the Department of Trade will conduct surveys to assess the extent of leads generated as a result of the Mission. The lessons learned will be carefully reviewed as the Department seeks to organize similar missions with neighbouring Caribbean countries. In like manner, the Department of Trade will gather and equip TCI exporters as it seeks to organize similar Missions, where TCI exporters will be able to showcase their goods and services to potential buyers in the Region.
 |
 |
 |
 |