JAMPRO Packaging Projects to Interest the Diaspora

Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) will be implementing its ‘Business Connect’ strategy with the Diaspora, in time for the 5th Biennial Diaspora Conference, to be held from June 16 to 19 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, in St. James.

“JAMPRO is currently in the process of activating inward investment and business missions from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom to connect with the many opportunities in Jamaica,” Chairman of the JAMPRO Board, Milton Samuda, said, noting that some of those opportunities will be showcased at the upcoming conference.

[RELATED: Special Page: 5th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference]

Mr. Samuda was speaking at the Diaspora Business Mixer, held at JAMPRO’s corporate offices in Kingston, on May 16.

Additionally, JAMPRO has been identifying and packaging a range of viable projects from local businesses, especially in agriculture and agri-business for Diaspora investment.

“I urge our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora to take a close look at these opportunities and projects. Stake your claim, before others stake theirs,” he encouraged.

For her part, Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Sharon Ffolkes-Abrahams, emphasised that Jamaica should connect into the Diaspora communities, so as to benefit from their insights and market intelligence.

“It is our firm intention to engage our Diaspora into the far reaching initiative that holds so much promise for our economy, for our standard of living and for our future and generations yet unborn,” Mrs. Ffolkes-Abrahams said.

She pointed out that the platform of the Biennial conference will afford the Industry Ministry the opportunity to explain in greater details, the promise and features of the Jamaica Logistics Hub initiative, and to win the support and active engagement of the Diaspora.

Meanwhile, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Arnaldo Brown, said the Diaspora is a significant market into which Jamaica must tap.

“We have not tapped into its full potential, and the purpose of this conference this year, is to ensure that all Jamaicans everywhere understand that (the country) is open to do business and that Jamaica is a place for significant opportunities,” Mr. Brown said.

The conference, which has been re-branded to focus on trade and investment, will be held under the theme: ‘Nation on a Mission: Jamaica – Diaspora Partnership for Development’.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is organising the event, is seeking to attract between 350 and 500 participants, and efforts have been made to reach Jamaicans who reside in other Caribbean islands.

CONTACT: LATONYA LINTON