Business

Business beyond borders! – The Queens Caribbean Economic Forum

QUEENS, N.Y – The Queens Economic Development Corporation (QEDC) and the Small Business Development Center of York College are launching their first Queens Caribbean Economic Forum at York College, 94-20 Guy Brewer Blvd., Jamaica, NY, on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 from 6:30 – 9 pm.

The purpose of this forum is to provide information on the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME), a multi-phase development strategy implemented by the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) that will serve to integrate commerce into a single trading market by reducing tariff restrictions, developing standards for goods and services manufactured and traded between member nations and ultimately, a single currency.

Presenting on behalf of CARICOM will be Fay Housty, Executive Director, Foreign Policy and External Economic Relations.

“Connecting with our homeland is always first and foremost on the minds of Caribbean Nationals throughout the Diaspora,” says Michelle Stoddart, director of Marketing and Tourism for QEDC, who is also a native of Jamaica. “The Caribbean is and will always be a fertile ground for business opportunities, so understanding the economic changes happening are vital to those interested in expanding globally.”

Complementing the CARICOM presentation will be David A. Roman, Export Assistant Specialist for the U.S. Department of Commerce, Long Island Center. Mr. Roman will discuss the benefits and strategies of how to grow your business internationally.

Some interesting facts from the Department of Commerce:

· Small and medium-sized firms account for the vast majority of growth in new exporters.

· Small and medium-sized companies account for almost 97 percent of U.S. exporters, but still represent only about 30 percent of the total export value of U.S. goods.

· Because nearly two-thirds of small and medium-sized exporters only sell to one foreign market, many of these firms could boost exports by expanding the number of countries they sell to.

Interested in growing your business globally? If you are an entrepreneur, financier or small-to-midsize business owners that has products or services to be sold in the Caribbean, then don’t miss this informative session. Refreshments will be served.

Sponsors include: Air Jamaica, Everybody’s Magazine, NY Carib News, WWRL 1600, Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (CACCI) and Dennis Shipping Inc.

The Queens Caribbean Economic Forum is free to the public, but you must register by calling (718) 263- 0546 or e-mailing [email protected] to reserve your space.

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