Business: Buyers "BE-happy" at EXPO 2016

The normal credo is "buyer beware, but the buyer representatives that gathered in the Hospitality Suite of the National Arena on Friday afternoon (April 15), courtesy of JAMPRO and organizers the JMA and JEA, were effusive in their praise of EXPO Jamaica 2016.

The buyers, representing some 26 overseas nations, as well as indigenous Jamaican interests, were commending not only the event in terms of its execution, but were also impressed with the high quality of the products on offer and the professionalism of the participating manufacturers/exporters. Several were on repeat visits, while others were enjoying their first EXPO Jamaica experience.

One particular buyer rep, from the UK Trade Promotion Agency, spoke to a major deal forthcoming from the EXPO 2016 presence, and further promised that EXPO Jamaica 2018 (scheduled for April 19-22) will see many more interested parties.

Meanwhile, as JAMPRO and the JMA-JEA feted the dealers above the show floor, public demand was reaching critical mass as members of the public, not originally scheduled to be admitted until 5pm, were clamoring to admitted from as early as 3pm. Recognizing the intensity of the public desire to interact with the over 170 displays in the combined space of the National Arena and the National Indoor Sports Centre, took the decision to "fly the gate" and allow earlier admittance of the public. The early press pointed to what may well be record attendance over the three public days of the event.


EXPO was presented with the support of FLOW, JPSCo, Appleton, Red Stripe, the Gleaner, the Jamaica Tourist Board and a host of other partners.

Business: EXPO 2016 release 1

Work continued apace Wednesday (April 13) ahead of today's grand Opening Ceremony at the Independence Park complex in preparation for the 2016 edition of the JMA-JEA EXPO.

This year's renewal of the biennial trade show sees over 200 exhibitors in 171. booths spread over 2 venues, the National Arena and the nearby National Indoor Sports Centre.

Organizers are gearing for record attendance from the public, and are already pleased to have attracted some 500.buyers from 26 overseas countries.

The biennial event cones this year at a critical juncture in the island's economic history, with both public and private sectors seeking to maximize returns while operating from leaner economic inputs.