Jamaica are one of the 71 Commonwealth teams scheduled to compete at Glasgow 2014 and one of the most high-profile given that they boast sprint six-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt in their ranks.

The MoU between the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI), is designed to lead to new trade and investment activities between the pair in the run up to and following the Commonwealth Games.

The agreement was signed by the Commercial Attaché at the Jamaican High Commission Laurence Jones, Glasgow City Council leader Gordon Matheson, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce chief executive Stuart Patrick and SCDI chief executive Professor Lesley Sawers.

The agreement is a direct Glasgow 2014 Legacy project," said Matheson.

"The city already harbours many links with Jamaica, and visits like these can assist in strengthening such ties, giving businesses a further insight into the commercial potential which individual countries offer.

"As we edge towards the 2014 Games, companies in Glasgow should continue to extend their networks, pursuing avenues for trade which arise while helping to bolster the overall economic benefits which the games will bring."

Sawers also expressed her delight and said the deal will create a real legacy from Glasgow 2014.

"The signing of this Memorandum is an important step in developing collaboration between Glasgow and Jamaica," she said.

"It builds on our existing strong business and cultural links and will ensure that we maximise every opportunity to support Glasgow businesses to win business not only in Jamaica but also in the wider flourishing Caribbean markets.

"This partnership will also help to develop long terms trading relationships in the run up to Glasgow 2014 and beyond, supporting our ambitions to deliver a lasting economic legacy from the Commonwealth Games."

The new deal also increases the likelihood that Bolt will be lured to compete at Glasgow 2014.

The 26-year-old 100 and 200 metres world record holder has never competed at a Commonwealth Games after missing both Melbourne 2006 and Delhi 2010.

However, he expressed a desire to go to Glasgow at the end of last year.

"That's the only title (the Commonwealth Games title) I don't have," Bolt said.

"So I think it's something I'd like to go for, even if I do just one event."

Bolt's presence at Glasgow 2014 has also been made more likely after it was announced last year that athletes from outside the UK who compete at the Commonwealth Games will not have to pay income tax in an incentive designed to try to ensure high-profile stars compete in the event.

The income tax exemption mirrors a similar measure already in place for the London 2012 Games.

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