FT. LAUDERDALE – The Jamaica USA Chamber of Commerce will once again host the Jamaican Business Expo at the Broward County Convention Center on Thursday and Friday, May 29th and 30th.
Hundreds of Jamaican entrepreneurs will be joined by other Caribbean and US small businesses, major corporations, industry buyers, investors, and marketing professionals to view the exhibits, sample various products, discuss business partnerships, network, learn about projects that are ripe for investment, and how to do business with Jamaica.
“The Jamaican Business Expo is one of the ways that the Chamber is carrying the ‘Brand Jamaica’ banner overseas,” states chamber president, Marie Gill. She explained that entry to the Expo will be FREE to the general public. It promises to be a one-stop opportunity to meet business and resource agencies from Jamaica, find new business partners, learn about new products that are being produced in Jamaica and for which overseas representatives are being sought, and get a handle on how to identify safe and potentially profitable investments on the island.
Under the theme “Buy Jamaican – Brand We Love,” this year’s Expo has attracted such high level executives as Robert Gregory, President of Jamaica Trade & Invest (JAMPRO), who will give the keynote remarks at the Opening Breakfast at 7:30 on Thursday, May 29th.
Robert Gregory
Mr. Gregory is expected to discuss his agency’s plans to expand the Brand Jamaica mission overseas, and how those plans will benefit Jamaican business owners and their partners in Florida and across the region.
Some 300 Jamaican business owners, supporters and partners are expected at the Luncheon on May 30th when the Hon. Karl Samuda, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, will give the Keynote Address. “The community is quite eager to hear Minister Samuda’s remarks regarding the state of, and climate for business in Jamaica,” Gill said.
Karl Samuda
Our members want to know of the government’s plans for overseas partnerships, and plans for expanding opportunities for Jamaican businesses in Florida and the Diaspora to participate as consultants, subcontractors and investors in Jamaica’s economic growth. Besides, the Minister has a strong business background and our business members are always intrigued by leadership that share their passion for success through entrepreneurship,” she said.
The Jamaican Business Expo will also feature a Small Business Seminar – Free of Cost, on Thursday, May 29th at 4:00 p.m. Resources with small business lending programs, marketing tools, and technical assistance services will be on hand to discuss “Tools and Strategies for Growing Your Business in Tough Times.” The Seminar will be followed by a complimentary reception on the EXPO Floor.
A contingent of Jamaican business resources and business owners will again be arriving from Jamaica to take part in this year’s Expo as exhibitors and as resources for technical services. Representations from various agencies including: Jamaica Trade & Invest, Jamaica Business Development Centre, Jamaica Manufacturers Association, and the Jamaica Exporters Association will be there to meet one-on-one with anyone having an interest in doing business in Jamaica.
“The Chamber is always bombarded with questions about product positioning, customs, site selection, investments, and risk aversion in various industries. There is high interest in knowing the requirements and incentives that are available for overseas Jamaicans to invest in and to operate businesses in Jamaica—this is the community’s opportunity to have answers to such questions.”
Sponsors of the Jamaican Business Expo at time of print, includes Jamaica Trade & Invest, Jamaica Business Development Centre, Seaboard Marine Ltd., Seafreight Agencies, Capital & Credit International, Kingston Miami Trading, Grace Kennedy Foods USA, Ocho Rios International, Inc. Air Jamaica, Citibank, Anbell Telecommunications, Antilles Freight Corporation and Caribcast TV.
Breakfast Tickets are $25; Luncheon Tickets are $55; Exhibitor Booths are $225.
There will be no charge to browse the expo, to meet with resource providers from the Jamaican government on both days or to attend the seminar on May 29th. To register for the Breakfast, Luncheon or for availability of exhibitor space, contact the Jamaica USA Chamber 1.877.528.7222 or 305.576.7888 or via email to: [email protected]
