Kingston, Jamaica—The Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Jamaica marked a significant milestone with the First Dominican Republic-Jamaica Cigar and Rum Business Forum, an innovation in commercial diplomacy. This provided a platform to benefit the national economy, allowing Dominican companies to connect with influential importers and distributors in Jamaica, crucial sectors such as tourism, and offering business potential in Jamaica and the Caribbean.
The Business Forum took place at the AC Hotel in Kingston, and received more than one hundred visitors. It served as the setting for dozens of B2B meetings between Dominican companies in the rum and tobacco sector and Jamaican companies involved in the trade of these products.
During the opening of the event, Ambassador Angie Martínez highlighted the commitment to promoting economic and commercial ties between both countries and exploring new perspectives of collaboration with Jamaica. She mentioned that the event provides a platform to strengthen trade ties, explore new business opportunities, and encourage the exchange of products within the economies of both countries.
The formal program of the forum included several presentations, panels, and a conversation between Ambassador Angie Martínez and the president of the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA), Mr. Sydney Thwaites. They discussed the future of the tobacco and rum industries in both countries, from the point of view of exports and bilateral trade.
Daniel Beltré Acosta, economic and commercial affairs officer of the Embassy, gave a presentation on the historical and financial aspects of the Dominican Republic’s tobacco and rum industry. Jack Astacio, president of J&J SPIRITS, gave a presentation on Dominican rum and his successful rum production company. Other Dominican companies in the rum sector such as ISIDRO BORDAS, BRUGAL, OLIVER & OLIVER, and BARCELÓ were also present at the Business Forum.
Mr. Rafael Domínguez, President of Victor Sinclair Tabacalera, spoke on behalf of the Dominican tobacco industry, offering some reflections on the tobacco industry and inviting those present to explore the business opportunities offered by the Dominican tobacco industry.
Mr. Daniel Blanco, Financial Director of Tabacalera Palma, together with Mr. Félix Rodríguez, participated in the business forum and during the Gala held on Friday night, exhibited a large part of the company’s premium cigar catalog, especially the prestigious La Galera brand.
The Dominican Ambassador in Kingston, Angie Martínez, thanked the official sponsors of the event for their support. She also thanked the support provided by the Tobacco Institute of the Dominican Republic (INTABACO), which facilitated an exhibition on the craftsmanship of our national tobacco industry.
More than 400 people gathered at the Official Residence of the Dominican Republic in Kingston during the evening where the Embassy held the “Tobacco and Rum” Gala, aimed at promoting the rum and tobacco industry of the Dominican Republic in Jamaica.
Both events showcased the rich cultural and economic contributions of Dominican rum and tobacco and laid the foundation for future partnerships and strategic alliances between the Dominican Republic and Jamaica.
The Business Forum and the Tobacco and Rum Gala are part of the set of activities organized by the Embassy to commemorate the 59th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Dominican Republic and Jamaica.