JAMPRO, the Government Agency mandated to promote and facilitate trade, investments and promotions and to encourage and support the export of Jamaican products, is a vital source for trade related information. The Agency is responsible for registering export and textile certificates via the Exporter Registration System.

Jamaica Trade Point
Jamaica Trade Point is Jamaica's trade facilitation electronic portal, www.jamaicatradepoint.com where both exporters and importers can carry out trade-related transactions with relevant organizations online. This initiative is part of a global network, started by UNCTAD in 1992, and it has grown into the World Trade Point Federation, consisting of 110 Trade Points in 87 countries.

As a key feature of Jamaica's Modernization and E-Government thrust, Jamaica Trade Point is significantly increasing the country's competitiveness in the global marketplace.

Partners in the five sectors that offer critical services to the trading community are integrated under one 'virtual roof' to facilitate increased efficiencies and to reduce trade transaction costs. The partners are:

• JAMPRO
• Jamaica Customs
• Trade Board
• Port Authority of Jamaica and the Shipping Association of Jamaica and
• Fiscal Services Ltd.

These agencies represent: trade facilitation, business information, transportation, financing and insurance, and information and communications technologies.

Wide-Ranging Benefits, Hassle-Free Trading
At Jamaica's Trade Portal exporters are registered, customs applications are processed, import licenses and export certification are obtained and electronic payments are processed. Other benefits include:

• Research for market opportunities
• Direct targeting of companies for sales opportunities and venture partnerships
• Rapid clearance of bureaucratic procedures
• Convenient and efficient business transactions

Making life considerably easier for the trading community is the removal of costly and time-consuming person-to-person transactions between Ministries, Government agencies, and traders, while standing in line and the limitations of doing transactions only during Government business hours, no longer frustrate traders.

Training, Increased Internet Access
JAMPRO, in collaboration with the University College of the Caribbean (the former IMP), provides key training for importers, exporters and customs brokers, in computer competency, as well as online importing and exporting processes. Courses last one or two days. Sponsorship of US$1.5 million from USAID's New Economy Project has been used to subsidize 26 sessions.

With assistance from the European Union, JAMPRO is currently designing computer access points to be set up at export centres across Jamaica.

Trade Point Services
Trade Agencies and functions now fully web-enabled under the Jamaica Trade Point are:

• Jamaica Customs Import, Export & Cargo Processing;
• JAMPRO, Exporter/Importer Registration;
• Trade Board, Registration, Licenses and Certification;
• E-Payment, Payment of Duties, Fees, Taxes;
• The Office of the Registrar of Companies for Registration of Companies; and
• The Internal Revenue Department/Taxpayer Audit & Assessment Department, Tax Registration Number, Tax Compliance Certificate.

Jamaica Trade Point Services to come on stream by the end of 2004 are:

• The Bureau of Standards (BSJ-Certification & Inspection);
• The Ministry of Agriculture, issuing of Permits, Certification, Licenses & Inspection; Plant Quarantine & Product Inspection; Veterinary Service Division;
• The Ministry of Health, issuing of Permits, Certification, Licenses & Inspection; Food Storage & Prevention of Infestation Division and
• The Ministry of National Security, issuing of Firearm Permits.