News

By Aubrey Campbell

A delegation from Jamaica is among scored of business leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean region attending the 11th Annual International Business Trade Expo (IBTE), at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Themed “Expanding Beyond Our Borders,” the three-day event – Wednesday through Friday – aims to promote trade and investment opportunities among businesses in Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean region.

“IBTE encourages and educates our Central Broward County businesses on how to expand beyond our borders, discover potential business opportunities and grow their international business networks,” noted Maria Munro, President of the Lauderhill Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC), host/organizers of the annual event.

In addition, the many executives attending the expo, will hear from their counterparts and experts on trade issues, challenges and regulations affecting the state’s international business economy
Jamaica’s delegation is being led by Garth Wilkinson, Mayor of the town of Falmouth, Robert Scott, Vice President/JAMPRO – Jamaica’s national trade and investment promotion agency and Philip Service, Councilor-Martha Brae Division, Trelawny.

“There are thousands of Jamaicans who live in the USA who wish to have their favorite products on a regular basis. Furthermore, Jamaican products, such as jerk sauces could well become mainstream products for America,” offered Scott who said that the Florida stop, fits perfectly into the agency’s “Road Show USA” promotional tour.

“Road Show USA” will focus on several cities and states over the next year, such as Atlanta, Texas, Maryland and New York.

Mayor Wilkinson and the delegation from the Trelawny Parish Council, join the event to re-align its Sister City partnership with Lauderhill, established some years ago, much to the delight of Judi St. John Hamilton, marketing specialist and chair/Art, Culture and Tourism Board, City of Lauderhill.

Along with Falmouth (Jamaica), the Brazilian city of Suzano and Petionville in Haiti, also share Sister City status with Lauderhill and they will be at the expo.

“The presence of all three Sister Cities will put a lot of focus on art and craft at the expo, as we position Lauderhill to be the cultural and entertainment hub for people of color,” offered Hamilton.

While showcasing Jamaica’s high quality agro-processed foods and fresh produce, the matter of sports tourism will be one of the agenda items during the meetings. With Fort Lauderdale and Trelawny sharing the establishment of cricket specific stadia, Councilor Service said that such joint venture opportunities are key in igniting the twin city relationship.

The expo is free and open to the public from 4:30 to 7:00 pm, Thursday and Friday.

Source: http://www.cnweeklynews.com/jamaica-boasts-best-international-business-trade-expo/

Published Date: October 16th, 2014