Export Portal in Jamaica

On September 4, 2018, the Government of Jamaica through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade (MFAFT) and Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries (MICAF) jointly launched the National Foreign Trade Policy and Consultancy for Jamaica’s National Trade Information Portal Project to improve ease of doing business in Jamaica.

This policy is meant to provide a clear guideline for trading between the local business community and the rest of the world.  The trade information portal, on the other hand, will be designed as a one-stop shop for individuals and businesses to access information on import-export regulations and procedures. 

Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade (MFAFT) in a statement via the Ministry’s noted that “trade is vitally important to Jamaica’s growth agenda and it is estimated that nearly 90% of our GDP is attributable to trade. The National Foreign Trade Policy and the National Trade Portal are therefore closely intertwined. The National Trade Portal and its direct linkages to the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement is well situated within the broader framework of the National Foreign Trade Policy.”

Johnson Smith further communicated that “if Jamaica is to be competitive in regional and international markets and to achieve consistent, sustainable and inclusive growth and development, the country must: enhance productivity; substantially expand investment; transform its productive capacity and the quality of goods and services; take steps to expand opportunities for the export of goods and services. To realize these objectives, a robust and dynamic foreign trade policy must be accompanied by ongoing domestic reforms.”

A significant issue in Jamaica is the cost and hassle to import products. So even with the access to information, the main challenges remain. Resellers know that most local buyers would be happy for any opportunity to pay less and enjoy a hassle-free experience when importing.  Export Portal provides the ability and capacity for farmers, furniture makers, and other skilled persons to export their products.

It just takes three quick and easy steps to begin the application process to join the 1.46 billion digital buyers on Export Portal:

1. Complete registration form. The registration form is straightforward, requiring information such as your name, address, and social links and so on.

2. Confirm your email address. 

3. Submit a government-issued ID. 

Once you have submitted this information, Export Portal will review your information (which will take up to two weeks) and you will become a registered buyer, with access to products from over 120 countries. Learn more about what we can offer you today.