JAMPRO services: Frequently asked questions

1. WHAT IS THE ROLE OF JAMPRO?

The Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) is an agency of the Government of Jamaica’s Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries that promotes business opportunities in export and investment to the local and international private sector.

In facilitating the implementation of investment and export projects, the organisation is a key policy advocate and advisor to the Government in matters pertaining to the improvement of Jamaica’s business environment and the development of new industries.

2. WHAT ARE THE FOCAL INDUSTRIES FOR JAMPRO?

While JAMPRO is keen on facilitating investments across all landscape, the agency’s promotional activities are focused on the following sectors: Logistics, tourism, agri-business, information technology enabled services/business process outsourcing, manufacturing, film, animation and music, energy and mining.

3. HOW DOES JAMPRO ASSIST INVESTORS?

JAMPRO provides assistance to investors as they attempt to secure their various business approvals. These include work permits, non-tourist visas, duty waivers/concessions, incentives, appropriate permits/licences custom clearances fiscal incentives, and building and development approvals. We simplify the processes, procedures and documentation related to the initiation and operation of a business in Jamaica, which may reduce the transaction times for effecting your approvals.

We offer the following suite of services to investors with a serious interest:

• Market intelligence sharing: JAMPRO prepares market information packages (e.g., market pointers and country data) to promote investment and export opportunities decisionmaking within target markets.

• Customised market information: JAMPRO provides detailed responses to specific information requests by companies that are undertaking marketing research activities.

• Site selection facilitation: Assistance is given to investors to identify and secure suitable location for their business operations.

• Business approvals facilitation: Assistance is given to complete or submit documentation in respect of required permits, licences, waivers, certification.

• Business matchmaking: Connecting companies with their business-related interest.

• Business advocacy: Advancing the lobby efforts of companies to establish a competitive framework.

• Targeted business development support: These are activities, programmes or initiatives that were crafted and generally customised to address the specific issues of the company.

• Business facilitation meetings: Convening meetings with relevant business facilitation partners within the various ministries, departments and agencies.

4. HOW DOES JAMPRO ASSIST EXPORTERS?

JAMPRO assists Jamaican exporters to capitalise on the opportunities in the global export market and provide targeted services to the local export sector through its offices. These services include:

• Exporter registration: Under the JAMPRO Act, all exporters are required to be registered with JAMPRO. The process incorporates a site visit to verify the exporter’s location and other details such as the suitability of the premises for packing the products. Fresh produce exporters must utilise a packing house approved by the Ministry of Investment, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries.

• Directory of registered exporters and suppliers: JAMPRO maintains a directory of all registered exporters and companies supplying all sectors.

• Step-by-step guide to exporting: An online workshop series which takes new and aspiring exporters through all the requirements and processes for export. This workshop includes presentations from the various agencies that support the export process (e.g., Plant Quarantine Division, Bureau of Standards, Customs, JIPO.

• Trade-related workshops and forums: JAMPRO conducts ‘doing business’ workshops on various target markets.

• Buyer recruitment and business matchmaking: JAMPRO recruits buyers for Expo Jamaica which is held every two years in Kingston.

• Trade show and trade mission facilitation: Every year JAMPRO takes delegations of exporters to overseas trade shows and trade missions. JAMPRO also invites international buyers on inward trade missions to Jamaica in various markets. These buyers are introduced to export-ready companies in order to facilitate business between the parties.

• General export advisory services: JAMPRO provides general guidance on exporters’ readiness and their preparation for the export market.

5. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BECOMING A CLIENT OF JAMPRO?

JAMPRO clients access a wide range of benefits and services that make doing business in Jamaica a lot easier and quicker.

BENEFITS TO THE INVESTOR

• Direct access to tap into the many investment and trade opportunities in Jamaica.

• Investment facilitation; as JAMPRO guides investors through the necessary processes and offers support in partnership with key government agencies and ministries, even after their investments are operational, at no cost to the investor.

• Introduction to key stakeholders, influencers and connectors within JAMPRO’s rolodex of contacts.

• Participation in business matchmaking, where companies are connected with their business-related interests benefits to the exporters.

• Access to technical and advisory support, mainly for export readiness and competitiveness and there is no added cost for these services.

• Introduction to international buyers, on inward trade missions invited by JAMPRO to Jamaica. These buyers are introduced to export-ready companies in order to facilitate business between the parties.

• Meeting with international buyers, through outward trade missions, arranged by JAMPRO. Note that the company’s capacity and operating standards must be first confirmed by JAMPRO.

• Inclusion in JAMPRO’s directory of exporters, subjected to the exporter’s approval.

• Access to information or event invitations sent to clients.