PortMiami Strengthens Regional Trade Relationships At Expo Jamaica 2025

PortMiami has successfully concluded its participation in Expo Jamaica 2025, further cementing its role as a crucial hub for 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 U.S.’s leading cruise and cargo ports, the PortMiami delegation took full advantage of the event to foster deeper relationships within the region. Over the course of four days, the team engaged with representatives from more than 40 companies and key public and private sector stakeholders.

Key discussions included meetings with the Port Authority of Jamaica, RSD Shipping agents, and Shipping Association of Jamaica President. High-level talks also took place with the Hon. Senator Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, focusing on shared objectives such as trade facilitation, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability.

The dialogue covered several important topics, including the expansion of Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs), the installation of shore power infrastructure to reduce emissions, and efforts to improve U.S.-Caribbean logistics corridors. These conversations align with a broader regional push to streamline port operations and invest in greener, more efficient systems.

In a gesture of goodwill, Sonless Martin, PortMiami’s Global Trade and Business Development leader, presented Prime Minister Andrew Holness with a token of appreciation, further strengthening the diplomatic and economic ties between Miami and Jamaica.

“PortMiami values its longstanding relationship with Jamaica and the Caribbean region,” said Sonless Martin. “Expo Jamaica 2025 provided an ideal platform for us to engage with partners, exchange best practices, and explore innovative ways to support economic growth and enhance connectivity.”

PortMiami is one of the fastest-growing global gateways in the U.S., contributing over $61 billion annually to the Miami-Dade County economy and supporting more than 340,000 jobs across Florida. Strategically located at the intersection of key global trade routes and equipped with big-ship capabilities, the port efficiently connects worldwide markets with U.S. consumers and producers.

In addition to its cargo operations, PortMiami plays a major role in the cruise industry, delivering world-class service to millions of cruise travelers each year and reinforcing its status as the “Cruise Capital of the World.”

As the largest trade show in the English-speaking Caribbean, Expo Jamaica 2025 featured over 230 exhibitors across 350 booths, attracting more than 800 buyers from 30 countries and over 15,000 consumers. The event showcased a diverse range of Jamaican-made goods and services in sectors including manufacturing, exports, tourism, and technology.

PortMiami’s participation in Expo Jamaica 2025 is part of a broader strategy to promote international collaboration, advance sustainability efforts, and solidify its position as a leading gateway to the Americas.

Source: Caribbean National Weekly