Jamaica reopens JAMPRO office, deepening Canadian trade

Editor’s Note: As we wrap up an extraordinary year, this piece shines a light on one of the many community stories worth celebrating. Enjoy the read!

There was a strong turnout at Jamaica’s Consulate in Toronto on Thursday, September 24^th, 2026, for the Jamaica Ministerial Business Reception, bringing together representatives of Jamaica’s diplomatic corps, business organizations, nonprofit sectors and members of the Jamaican community.

The reception highlighted Jamaica’s efforts to deepen trade and investment ties with Canada and create new opportunities for Canadian businesses across priority sectors.

Senator the Honourable Aubyn Hill, Jamaica’s Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, led a high-level delegation marking the relaunch of the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) North American Regional Office in Canada. The Toronto office is located on the second floor of 303 Eglinton Avenue East, where the Consulate General is also located.

The delegation included: Shullette Cox, President of JAMPRO, and Margaret Baird, who leads JAMPRO’s North American Regional Office in Canada, along with private-sector representatives.

JAMPRO is Jamaica’s export and investment promotion agency. Established as a statutory body under the JAMPRO Act in 1990, its mandate is to promote and facilitate investment and exports while supporting economic growth and job creation. Its stated purpose is to “Build relationships and realize business opportunities.”

The presence of public and private-sector representatives reflected that mandate. The goal was not simply to discuss investment, but to help move companies from market interest toward practical opportunities through sector knowledge, facilitation and connections.

The relaunch comes as Jamaica seeks to strengthen its commercial relationship with Canada. JAMPRO says the Toronto office will pursue stronger federal and provincial partnerships, expand commercial connections between Jamaica and Canada, and create opportunities for investment, exports and business collaboration. The Canada mission ran from September 24^th to 26^th, with activities extending beyond Toronto to Montreal and Ottawa.

Margaret Baird moderated the reception. Kurt Davis, Consul General of Jamaica in Toronto, delivered opening remarks, while High Commissioner Marshall Coore-Lobban also welcomed Minister Hill and the delegation.

The High Commissioner described the opening of the JAMPRO Canada office as “A significant and strategic step in strengthening Jamaica’s commercial presence in this important market.” She also highlighted the importance of collaboration among investors, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders.

Minister Hill brings extensive private-sector and international banking experience to his portfolio. According to Jamaica’s Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, he has more than 35 years of private-sector experience, has lived in nine countries and has conducted business in more than 125 countries. He holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and was appointed Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce on January 11^th, 2022.

In his address, Hill spoke about Canada’s importance as a longstanding economic partner and discussed: Jamaica’s economic progress, fiscal management, international reserves and the need for collaboration. He emphasized the importance of sound management and positioning Jamaica not only to receive assistance, but eventually to become a country capable of providing support to others.

Photo Courtesy of Jamaica High Commission

Shullette Cox welcomed guests and emphasized that the relaunch represents a renewed commitment to Canada. Her message was clear: Canada is more than one city, and Jamaican businesses must look beyond Toronto while building stronger connections between private-sector partners in both countries. JAMPRO has similarly stated that its Canadian strategy will extend beyond Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area.

The Jamaica High Commission in Ottawa also underscored the importance of building connections and creating opportunities for mutual growth and prosperity.

For the Jamaican diaspora, the reopening also creates a direct bridge between community, commerce and country. Diaspora entrepreneurs and professionals are often positioned between markets, cultures and networks, making them important participants in expanding trade. The challenge now will be to convert the energy of the reception into measurable partnerships, new exporters, investment commitments and jobs.

The message from Toronto was an invitation to: Canadian businesses, Jamaican companies, investors and diaspora leaders to move from conversation to action and investment.

The reception was followed by the Caribbean Canadian Investment Summit & Trade Forum, held September 25^th–26^th in Toronto, further extending the conversation around cross-border trade, investment and economic partnerships.