Kingston, Jamaica – In a significant move to bolster economic growth and enhance international competitiveness, the Jamaica Trade Board has officially adopted its new name, Jamaica Trade Board Limited (JTBL), effective July 3, 2025. This rebranding, alongside the strategic rollout of advanced digital platforms and training initiatives, signals a renewed commitment to empowering Jamaican businesses and fostering greater trade opportunities on the global stage.
A Strategic Evolution for Jamaican Trade
The transition from The Trade Board Limited to Jamaica Trade Board Limited marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s trade facilitation efforts. This evolution is part of a broader governmental strategy to create a more dynamic and responsive business ecosystem, aligning with the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce’s recent rebranding as “Jamaica’s Business Ministry.” The core objective is clear: to aggressively pursue economic expansion by connecting Jamaican exporters with lucrative global markets and providing them with the essential tools and insights needed to succeed.
Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, the Honourable Aubyn Hill, has been a driving force behind these strategic advancements. He has emphasized that fostering a thriving business environment and increasing export earnings are paramount to achieving national wealth. The rebranding and new initiatives are designed to adapt to the evolving needs of the business community, offering timely, accurate, and actionable market intelligence.
Empowering Exporters with Digital Solutions
A cornerstone of this new era is the ‘EXPORT Jamaica’ platform, launched in March 2024. This cutting-edge online portal serves as a global market intelligence and compliance gateway, designed to equip Jamaican businesses, particularly micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), with the resources to identify and capitalize on international business opportunities. The platform offers vital information on import and export compliance requirements for various countries, alongside practical tools like selling price calculators, currency converters, customs duties calculators, and landed cost calculators. By simplifying complex trade processes, EXPORT Jamaica aims to reduce barriers and encourage more businesses to venture into overseas markets.
Complementing the EXPORT Jamaica platform is the newly launched EXPORTAcademy, which officially commenced operations in February 2025. This initiative is dedicated to providing accessible, customized export training and development opportunities. Through interactive webinars, expert-led sessions, and a comprehensive repository of resources, EXPORTAcademy is poised to upskill Jamaican entrepreneurs and business professionals, ensuring they are well-prepared to navigate the intricacies of international trade and enhance their brand competitiveness.
A Renewed Identity and Vision
The rebranding also includes a new logo for the Jamaica Trade Board, featuring interlocking circles with arrows symbolizing growth and interconnectedness, with blue representing the world and black, green, and gold signifying Jamaica. This visual identity underscores the agency’s dedication to facilitating the growth of Jamaican businesses and fostering stronger international trade ties.
These developments are strategically aligned with Jamaica’s National Development Plan (Vision 2030 Jamaica) and the broader national economic growth agenda, which places significant emphasis on increasing exports and attracting foreign direct investment. By investing in digital infrastructure and human capital development, Jamaica is actively working to enhance its global brand and integrate more effectively into global value chains.
The implications of these initiatives are far-reaching, promising to stimulate export diversification, create more employment opportunities, and ultimately contribute to higher foreign exchange earnings for the island. The government’s concerted effort to support its business sector through modernization and accessible resources underscores a firm commitment to transforming Jamaica’s economic landscape and securing a prosperous future for its citizens.