JAMPRO (Jamaica Promotions Corporation)

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JAMPRO (Jamaica Promotions Corporation) is an agency of the Jamaican government that promotes business opportunities in export and investment.
What are the main aims and objectives?

JAMPRO is primarily focused on promoting business opportunities in export and investment to both local and international private sectors. As part of Jamaica's Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, its main objectives are to drive Jamaica's economic development through growth in investment and export. JAMPRO aims to be a world-class business enabler and promotions agency, working to make Jamaica the premier destination for doing business. Additionally, the organization is committed to expanding Jamaica's economy by promoting Jamaican exports and attracting foreign direct investment.

How does the program work?

JAMPRO serves as the primary agency for promoting business opportunities in export and investment to both local and international private sectors. One of JAMPRO's key functions is to attract and facilitate foreign direct investment. The agency guides investors through necessary processes, offers ongoing support in partnership with key government agencies and ministries, and provides crucial services such as market intelligence, research, and assistance with business approvals and site selection. JAMPRO also focuses on promoting investment opportunities in various sectors, including agribusiness, energy, film, animation, music, global digital services, manufacturing, logistics, mining, and tourism.

Additionally, JAMPRO plays a vital role in promoting Jamaican exports and supporting local businesses. The agency offers services such as exporter registration, diagnosis of business performance, business plan development, and market access information. It also organizes trade missions, promotes participation in trade exhibitions, and connects exporters with international buyers. Furthermore, JAMPRO acts as a key policy advocate and advisor to the government on improving Jamaica's business environment, contributing to the overall enhancement of the country's economic landscape.

A non-exhaustive list of services available through the agency is summarized on their website as the following:

Export and Market Development Value-added Services

  • Exporter registration
  • Diagnosis of business performance /enterprise rating & upgrading
  • Business plan development/revision
  • Benchmarking and rating against local & international competitors
  • Assessment of requirements for certification of products, services and enterprise management system
  • Market access and market penetration information
  • Business linkages and match-making (including via online facilities)
  • Facilitate access to technical assistance/donor support programmes

Investment Promotion Value-added Services

Market Research

  • Industry data- collection and benchmarking
  • Customized investor itineraries
  • Investor matching; joint venture partnerships
  • Facilitation of free zone applications
  • Linkages with suppliers, contractors and various service providers
  • Facilitation of permits and approvals- work, building etc.
  • Identification of sources for Technical and Financial assistance
  • Intervention on behalf of clients and problem-solving
  • Familiarization Tours
What is the overall cost?

The operational costs of JAMPRO for 2022 was JMD $848,568,536 (approx. $5.4 million). 

How was it implemented?

JAMPRO (Jamaica Promotions Corporation) was established as a statutory body through the enactment of the JAMPRO Act of 1990. This legislation created JAMPRO as an agency under Jamaica's Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, with the primary purpose of stimulating, facilitating, and promoting the development of trade, industry, export trade, and investment activities across all sectors of Jamaica's economy. 

What impact has been measured?

The 2022 JAMPRO annual report points to the following achievements:

  • $397.7 million in capital expenditure compared to a target of $408.2
  • 34,328 new jobs created compared to a target of 14,114
  • $725.3 million in export sales compared to a target of $830 million 
  • Client satisfaction of 86% compared to a target of 90%
What lessons can be learned?

Several valuable lessons can be learned from JAMPRO’s approach to promoting trade and investment:

  1. Comprehensive support: JAMPRO offers a wide range of services, from export development to investment facilitation, demonstrating the importance of providing comprehensive support to both local businesses and foreign investors.
  2. Targeted sector focus: By focusing on specific sectors like agribusiness, energy, film, animation, and tourism, JAMPRO shows the effectiveness of a targeted approach to investment promotion.
  3. Policy advocacy: JAMPRO's role as a policy advocate highlights the importance of continuously improving the business environment to attract investment.
  4. Global presence: Maintaining offices in key international locations helps in promoting the country's interests globally and facilitating foreign investment.
  5. Public-private partnership: JAMPRO's work demonstrates the value of collaboration between government agencies and the private sector in driving economic development.

CURATED BY

Tom Hancock

Research Associate
Global Entrepreneurship Network
United Kingdom