In 1982, the Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association and the Jamaica Exporter’s Association began the first of what was to be an initial fourteen year partnership through the joint hosting of a number of trade expositions.  In 1966 the partnership hosted what was to be their closing but certainly not their very last exposition.  Over the next eight years the Associations shifted their focus and made the decision to concentrate on participating in various trade missions and fairs both regionally and internationally, which were hosted by other organizations.

In 2004 the JMA/JEA renewed their partnership and hosted the JMA/JEA Expo 2004, under the theme “BUY JAMAICAN BUILD JAMAICA”  The expo sought to educate and increase awareness and market share of the wide range of world class goods and services available locally as well as to market these commodities on an international level.  The Jamaican Agricultural Society (JAS), also partnered with both Associations where the link between agriculture, manufacturers and exporters was highlighted and consumers were encouraged to “EAT JAMAICAN”!

The JMA/JEA Expo 2004 was attended by over 20,000 adults and children and approximately 300 Buyers attended the show.  Over 220 magnificently decorated booths were set up by 160 companies with exhibits of locally manufactured products and services. Exhibitors reported increased business opportunities both locally and internationally based on their participation in the exposition.

With the continuation of the JMA’s Buy Jamaican Campaign and the newly launched “Brand Jamaica” initiative of the JEA, the JMA/JEA Expo 2006 was held at the National Arena from April 27th to April 30th, under the theme “BUY JAMAICAN, BRAND WE LOVE”.

The first two days of the 2006 Expo were limited to buyers and was dubbed “Buyers Days”.  A special invitation was also extended to the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce to join the buyers on the second day in order to expose them to the possibility of forging a network of relationships.

Approximately 144 companies exhibited in 222 booths, again beautifully decorated and displayed Jamaican products and services of international standards and covered a wide range of products:

The show was attended by over 20,000 adults and children and 222 local and international buyers.

As in previous years, Exhibitors reported increased business opportunities both locally and internationally based on their participation in the exposition.