History

1971 marked the birth of ‘Expo’ – the biggest and most comprehensive exhibition of locally made products staged by the JMA.  Under the theme,  ‘Industry in Action’, the historic manufacturing trade fair was officially opened by then Prime Minister, The Most Hon. Hugh Shearer.  Special highlights included a tribute to Former Minister of Trade and Industry, The Hon. Robert Lightbourne, for his contribution to the island’s industrial development, and a ‘Worker in Industry’ Day on which manufacturers honoured employees for their contribution to industrial development.

In 1972, the biennial fair took on a more unique quality.  Unique, because for the first time, it was being staged jointly by the Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association and the Jamaica Exporters’ Association (JEA).  The 1982 ‘Expo’ became the first show geared towards the export market and one which saw the participation of manufacturers outside Jamaica.  As before, the show attracted hundreds of people from all walks of life and provided the perfect opportunity for networking and the establishment of profitable business relationships.

Expo ’96 was held between October 31 and November 3 and showcased goods and services from the Caribbean in 16 different categories displayed in over 200 booths.  For the first time, the JMA/JEA Expo received assistance from the Government through its investment agency, JAMPRO, as well as sponsorship from the Barbados based Caribbean Export Development Agency.

In 2004 the JMA and JEA renewed their partnership and hosted the JMA/JEA Expo 2004 after an 8 year hiatus, 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 to highlight the link between agriculture, manufacturers and exporters and to encourage consumers to “EAT JAMAICAN!”

The 2006 Expo recorded attendance of over 20,000 persons and the participation of 222 Buyers from the United States of America, United Kingdom, Canada, Venezuela, New Zealand, Suriname, the Turks & Caicos Islands, Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Bermuda, Belize, St. Vincent, Montserrat, the Dominican Republic, Cuba and from as far as China and Japan.

The first two days of the 2006 Expo were limited to buyers and was assigned “Buyers’ Days”. A special invitation was also extended to the 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. The wide range of products that were on display included building, chemicals, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, electrical, automotive, food and agro, furniture, bedding, craft, leather, minerals and metal, jewellery, music, printing, packaging, textiles and apparel and business and financial services.

Two years later, Jamaica Trade and Invest partnered with the JMA and the JEA in hosting the JMA/JEA Expo 2008. Special emphasis was placed on attracting buyers and Jamaica Trade and Invest (JTI) coordinated the participation of Buyers both locally and internationally. There was a heavy concentration of Buyers which helped to attribute to the resounding success of the event. Expo 2008 was dubbed the best ever. The Exposition was held from May 1 - 4 at the National Arena, under the theme “Buy Jamaican…Brand We Love”. It was the first time that the exposition was held while another event was being hosted at the National Stadium, in particular, the International Meets.

The next Expo dubbed ‘Expo Jamaica’ is scheduled to be held from June 17-20, 2010, at the National Arena, and will carry the theme “Brand Jamaica to the World!”