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Jamaica looks to increase trade with Philadelphia

November 8, 2010

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Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks, said that all efforts would be made to increase exports from Jamaica to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from just under US $100 million to US $300 million.
“All efforts will be made to fortify a stronger trade relationship between Jamaica and Philadelphia,” the Ambassador said at the African and Caribbean Business Council’s awards dinner held Saturday night (Nov. 6) at the Hilton hotel in Philadelphia.
She noted that Jamaica and Philadelphia had a strong trading relationship in the 18th Century and “there is no reason this strong relationship cannot be rekindled. Once this is accomplished, Jamaica and Philadelphia will benefit economically”.

Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Edward D. Rendell (left) extends a warm welcome to Ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks, at the African Caribbean Business Council’s inaugural winter awards dinner held on Saturday (Nov. 6) at the Hilton hotel. At centre is President of the business council, Dr. Azuka Anyiam.

She said that the Pennsylvania city could serve as a port of entry for a wide range of Jamaican items such as rum, sauces, pepper products, liqueurs and beers. She said that efforts should be made to get the Diaspora as well as the wider business community in Philadelphia more interested in Jamaican products.
Mrs. Marks told the audience that one of her primary missions as Ambassador to the United States (US) is to secure greater levels of investments, as well as increase trade and business opportunities between the US and Jamaica.
She told the audience that Jamaica is open for business and invited potential investors to take advantage of the various opportunities that are available.
In his remarks, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Edward D. Rendell, said that the city is willing and ready to increase the trading relationship with Jamaica.

Jamaican-born Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of FIS Groups, Tina Byles Williams, accepts the Entrepreneurship Award from Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks at the African Caribbean Business Council’s inaugural winter awards dinner held on Saturday (Nov. 6) at the Hilton hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

He said that instructions would be given to the Pennsylvania Department of Commerce to commence talks with the Jamaican Ambassador with a view to increasing trade between the two countries as soon as possible.
In the meantime, two Jamaicans residing in Philadelphia were recognized for their contribution to the development of business in the community. They are Chief Executive Officer and founder of FIS Group, Inc. based Tina Byles Williams, who received the entrepreneur award, and co-owner of Hard Beat Communications, Christopher Chaplin, who was presented with the excellence award.
Ambassador Marks was also recognized by the city of Philadelphia with a citation and replica of the Liberty Bell, the iconic symbol of American independence located in the city.

Last Updated: August 13, 2013

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