Published: May 26, 2025 | By Global Success Review Magazine
In an era of rapidly shifting global trade dynamics, Jamaican businesses are being called upon to enhance their geopolitical awareness in order to remain competitive and resilient. Speaking at the launch of the Business Acceleration Centre (BAC) Accelerator Series 2025/2026, hosted by the Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority (JSEZA), Senior Director Ainsley Brown emphasized the urgent need for companies to build their “geopolitical muscle.”
Held at the S Hotel in Montego Bay on May 22, the inaugural session brought together business leaders, exporters, and stakeholders across sectors. The core message: understanding global trade shifts and proactively preparing for them is now essential, not optional.
“No matter the size of your business, you need an early warning system to alert you to both threats and opportunities,” said Brown. “That system could be as simple as a Google Alert or a curated email newsletter, but the key is staying informed and ready to respond.”
Brown stressed that geopolitical literacy acts as a strategic radar, enabling businesses to identify emerging risks and capitalize on new market opportunities. With the United States recently implementing a baseline import tariff of 10 percent, Jamaican exporters must navigate more complex trade regulations and tariffs. In this new climate, building export readiness is crucial.
He recommended resources like the Export Academy offering training programs, and Export Jamaica, which supports product testing and international market exploration. These tools, Brown noted, are essential for companies seeking to strengthen their global capabilities.
“Conduct trade landscape assessments, evaluate your exposure, engage in scenario planning, and prepare action plans,” Brown advised. “These steps are vital to effectively manage risk and seize opportunity.”
Bridging the Gap Between Strategy and Action
Also addressing the session was JSEZA CEO Kelli-Dawn Hamilton, who highlighted the purpose of the BAC Accelerator Series: to provide businesses with the practical knowledge and strategic insight needed to navigate shifting market demands and evolving trade agreements.
“The BAC Accelerator is about more than information, it’s about mobilization,” Hamilton explained. “We want businesses to understand the implications of global shifts and give them the tools to take action.”
The event featured insights from the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) and Trade Board Limited, both of which outlined critical financing mechanisms and trade facilitation strategies designed to support growth—particularly within Jamaica’s expanding Special Economic Zone (SEZ) framework.
The session attracted a wide cross-section of participants including manufacturers, logistics providers, digital service firms, and real estate developers. According to Hamilton, the increasing interest in Jamaica as a nearshore destination for U.S.-based businesses is a sign of the country’s growing relevance on the global stage.
“We’re seeing rising demand for logistics services and warehousing space, which presents a tremendous opportunity for businesses and landowners,” she noted. “We encourage those with land assets to connect with JSEZA and explore SEZ designation to fully leverage this growth trend.”
As global trade becomes increasingly influenced by political and economic shifts, Jamaican businesses must adapt swiftly. Events like the BAC Accelerator Series represent vital platforms for education, preparation, and connection, equipping enterprises with the tools to thrive in an uncertain world.
