Jamaica Investment Forum Set For June 12-14 in Mobay

The third Jamaica Investment Forum (JIF) takes place at the Montego Bay Convention Centre from June 12 to 14 under the theme ‘Connect for Business’.

This triennial event, organised by the Government’s trade and investment agency, Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), is being held under the auspices of Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, who will be the keynote speaker at the opening ceremony on June 12.

The forum will host approximately 200 international investors, feature 40 speakers, and promote potential business and investment opportunities in six priority sectors.

These are agri-business, business process outsourcing, energy, logistics, manufacturing and tourism, for which presentations will be made for approximately 39 projects.

The forum was launched by Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Hon. Audley Shaw, at the New Kingston corporate offices of one of the event’s sponsors, J. Wray & Nephew Limited, on Thursday (May 10).

Mr. Shaw noted that the forum has been pivotal in spurring significant Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) since its inception in 2012.

He pointed out that, to date, investors from the last conference in 2015 have pumped over US$300 million into Jamaica, resulting in the creation of more than 6,000 jobs, adding that about “10 significant and economically impactful projects have progressed since that time”.

Meanwhile Mr. Shaw challenged local investors to “step up and take greater investment risks”.

“My Ministry and, by extension, the Government remain confident about the untapped opportunities in Jamaica. I encourage you to come to the conference and find fresh inspiration and new investment opportunities,” he encouraged.

For her part, JAMPRO President, Diane Edwards, said the forum represents an opportunity for stakeholder networking and the “right businesses to meet… and (for participants) to hear from people who have already invested in Jamaica”.

JAMPRO Deputy Chairman, Metry Seaga, noted that the forum aims to: generate new leads and advance existing leads and projects; promote investment opportunities of Jamaica’s most promising sectors; raise Jamaica’s profile as a viable and credible investment destination; increase investor confidence by demonstrating the Government’s commitment to the investment process; and provide a forum for linkages between local and foreign investors.

He also anticipates the out-turns for the 2018 staging surpassing those recorded in former years.

“When we launched the Jamaica Investment Forum in 2012, we attracted 109 investors from 12 countries. In 2015, for our second staging, we saw over 400 participants, including 132 investors from 21 countries, (and) we are expecting even more outcomes in 2018,” Mr. Seaga said.

The event’s headline sponsors this year are the Planning Institute of Jamaica, through the Foundation for Competitiveness and Growth Project; Scotiabank; and newcomer, New Fortress Energy.