ORLANDO – Put on by Central Florida’s Caribbean Sun newspaper, this year’s Expo, held as part of the celebration of Caribbean American Heritage month, will bring together entrepreneurs from the United States and the Caribbean to showcase their products and services and to explore the development of business relationships.
Caribbean-American Heritage Month is designated to highlight and celebrate the great contributions of Caribbean Americans to the fabric of the United States of America and this Expo seeks to demonstrate the contribution of Caribbean Americans in the field of business and economic development.
Last year’s Expo was a phenomenal success, attracting more than 80 exhibitors and resulting in the establishment of new import and export business, including contracts for the supply of rice, peppers and other products from the Caribbean and the supply from Florida of equipment and raw material.
One of the main success stories emerging from last year’s Expo is an initiative involving Laparkan, Tropical Shipping and small manufacturers/producers in Guyana to allow for the regular shipment of their products by consolidating these into a single container. This allows for small producers, the quantity of whose products cannot fill a container, to consolidate their shipments thereby reducing shipping costs.
The formal opening of the Expo will take place on Friday, June 1, 2007, and will be followed by a tour of the booths by dignitaries and the more than 400 specially invited guests. A cocktail reception will close out the evening’s proceedings. Florida Governor Charlie Crist has been invited to deliver the keynote address and officially declare the Expo open. Last year, Guyana’s President Bharrat Jagdeo was the guest of honor and keynote speaker.
The Caribbean Village will be opened on Saturday and Sunday, June 2 and 3, providing attendees with an opportunity to sample the rich and diverse Caribbean culture. Several artistes will perform over the two days and a major feature of the Village will be the display and availability of Beers of the Caribbean. Several area restaurants will offer their tasty varieties of Caribbean food.
The Expo and Caribbean Village are free to the Public. For more information call: 407-445-2293.
