PortMiami strengthens regional trade ties at Expo Jamaica 2025
PortMiami has wrapped up a successful showing at Expo Jamaica 2025, further solidifying its role as a vital link in U.S.-Caribbean trade and logistics.
Held from April 3 to 6 at the National Arena in Kingston, the biennial event brought together global and regional leaders under the theme “Global Partnership, Local Impact, Advancing Jamaica’s Reach.”
Representing one of the United States’ top cruise and cargo ports, the PortMiami delegation seized the opportunity to deepen partnerships across the region. Over the course of the four-day event, the team held discussions with representatives from more than 40 companies, as well as key stakeholders from the public and private sectors.
Meetings with the Port Authority of Jamaica, RSD Shipping agents, and Shipping Association of Jamaica President, as well as high-level talks with Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, the Hon. Senator Aubyn Hill, highlighted shared goals around trade facilitation, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability.
Among the topics discussed were the expansion of Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs), implementing shore power infrastructure to reduce emissions, and enhancing U.S.-Caribbean logistics corridors. These conversations reflect a broader push to streamline operations and invest in greener, more efficient port systems across the region.
In a gesture of goodwill, PortMiami’s Global Trade and Business Development leader Sonless Martin presented Prime Minister Andrew Holness with a gift of appreciation, reinforcing the strong diplomatic and economic ties between Miami and Jamaica.
“PortMiami values its long-standing relationship with Jamaica and the greater Caribbean region,” said Sonless Martin, Global Trade and Business Development “Expo Jamaica 2025 provided an ideal platform for us to engage with partners, share best practices, and explore innovative ways to support economic growth and connectivity.”
PortMiami is one of America’s fastest-growing global gateways, contributing more than $61 billion annually to Miami-Dade County’s local economy and supporting over 340,078 jobs in Florida. Strategically located at the crossroads of north-south and east-west trade lanes, and equipped with big-ship capabilities, the port efficiently links worldwide markets with U.S. consumers and producers.
In addition to its cargo operations, PortMiami plays a leading role in the cruise industry, offering world-class customer service to millions of cruise travellers each year and earning its reputation as the undisputed Cruise Capital of the World.
As the largest trade show in the English-speaking Caribbean, Expo Jamaica 2025 hosted over 230 exhibitors across 350 booths, attracting more than 800 buyers from 30 countries and upwards of 15,000 consumers. The multi-sectoral showcase featured Jamaican-made goods and services spanning manufacturing, exports, tourism, and tech.
PortMiami’s participation is part of a broader mission to promote international collaboration, advance sustainability efforts, and reinforce its position as a key gateway to the Americas.
Source: Caribbean News Weekly
