State Minister for Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Sharon Ffolkes Abrahams, says Jamaica must tap into the lucrative Diaspora market in order to generate wealth and income for the country.

“We must seek to search out our many Jamaicans in positions of high power and influence and win their support for the effort to grow our economy out of debt, poverty and despair, and to propel us along the growth and development continuum,” she stated Tuesday, June 25, in her contribution in the 2013/14 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives.

Mrs. Ffolkes Abrahams noted the “tremendous success” of the recently held 5th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference in Montego Bay which, she noted, was attended by approximately 1,000 local and overseas participants, and attracted some $16 million in sponsorship and other support.

She commended State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Arnaldo Brown, “for his leadership in this conference”.

She noted that the Industry Ministry was a major sponsor of the event, while one of its agencies, Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) “played the role of investor match-maker and investment facilitator.”

“It certainly made me feel proud to be among the thousands of Jamaicans, who have returned home to contribute to the nation’s growth, prosperity, and development,” Mrs. Ffolkes Abrahams stated.

In noting that Jamaica is part of a global business environment, characterised by competitiveness, the State Minister declared that “we are in the game to win!”

“The goal of a solid Jamaica-Diaspora Partnership is to win! Win investments! Win new markets for our quality export goods and services! Win the gifts and intellect of our Diaspora through knowledge sharing and transfer! We can do this; and we are way ahead of many countries, as we have vital Diaspora institutions, such as the recent conference,” Mrs. Ffolkes Abrahams said.

Contact: Douglas McIntosh