US Ambassador: COVID-19 presents great opportunity for Jamaican businesses.

Ambassador Tapia was speaking on April 30 during an inaugural online AMCHAM Membership Mingle/Forum.

He noted that many American companies now have to rethink their supply chain strategy which has been interrupted in the wake of the worldwide pandemic.  He said now is the time for Jamaican companies to indicate they are open and ready for business.

Ambassador Tapia also pointed to small manufacturers as one group which can take advantage of the current situation.  He added that if Jamaica can import products from the United States, there is no reason why the manufacturers of these products cannot be inveigled to set up their plants in Jamaica.

During his engaging presentation which saw him fielding questions from members, Ambassador Tapia said Jamaican companies need to start exporting more to the USA.  He said the current exports to the USA stand at $600 million dollars, primarily in agricultural products.

Ambassador Tapia announced that as soon as the borders reopen, there will be many different opportunities that can be looked into, as well as various US-based groups looking to visit Jamaica to explore investment opportunities. He further explained that several possibilities exist, and these can be explored further.

Commercial and economic officer at the US Embassy, Joe James, highlighted other avenues including financing options that can also be looked at and pointed to recent communications AMCHAM sent to its members regarding Ex-Im Bank funding options.

Ambassador Tapia encouraged AMCHAM Jamaica members to continue to reach out to the US Embassy for assistance in helping to move in the right direction. He noted that the embassy works closely with AMCHAM Jamaica and is there to see what assistance can be provided to its members.

AMCHAM President, Ann-Dawn Young Sang encouraged and implored members to continue to reach out to the office to take advantage of the many benefits being offered, and to utilize the organization’s services. She reminded members that AMCHAM is a part of the United States Chamber of Commerce and a part of the AMCHAM global network that is very active in having dialogue with key stakeholders and policymakers worldwide, which has intensified even more so as a result of Covid-19 pandemic.

She highlighted an upcoming Trade & Investment webinar that AMCHAM will be hosting in May, with representatives from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Embassy officials and other key stakeholders participating. The discussions will focus primarily on planning, strategizing on opportunities post Covid-19 and where the opportunities being referenced by the ambassador will be explored or highlighted in further detail.