From October 10th to 12th, 2023, the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) conducted a crucial trade mission in Nassau, The Bahamas. Powered by the Bahamas Trade Commission, Small Business Development Centre (SBDC), and Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers' Confederation (BCCEC), this mission aimed at fostering tighter economic ties and promoting regional integration.

The three-day mission included an opening ceremony and trade expo at the SBDC's head office on Gladstone Road on October 10th, followed by business-to-business (B2B) meetings on the 11th, and a day of market visits on the 12th. Seven prominent Jamaican companies, including Caribbean Broilers, Dynamic Chemicals, Fosrich, Jamaica Broilers, Jamaica Idealle, Spur Tree Spices, and ThomoVybes Manufacturing Ltd, actively participated.

These businesses held crucial B2B meetings with several Bahamian giants such as Commonwealth Brewery Limited, Light- bourn Trading, Sysco, and Caribbean Bottling Co. Ltd. They also toured various market outlets, including AID, Centerville Food Store, Super Value, and Xtra Value.

Ambassador Winston Pinnock pointed out the Caribbean Community's (CARICOM) goal of reducing imports from outside the region by 25 percent by 2025 and emphasized, "We need to grow what we eat and eat what we grow."

Key remarks from influential figures are summarized below:

Senator Barry Griffin, deputy chairman of the Bahamas Trade Commis- sion, emphasized the importance of greater trade and business facilitation throughout the Caribbean. He remarked, "Caribbean integration, regional trade, and the promotion of Caribbean business as a whole must be what we base our future prosperity on."

Samantha Rolle, SBDC executive director, highlighted the robust nature of the micro, small, and medium enterprises sector in Jamai- ca. She stated, "Working collaboratively to execute the JMEA trade mission will further support both nations in achieving greater economic resiliency."

Khrystle Ferguson, chairman of the BCCEC, underscored the necessity of continuous cross-border trade, remarking, "We need to come together and support each other in the Caribbean region."