A major conference showcasing the range of investment opportunities in Jamaica will be staged by the Northeast Region of the Jamaican Diaspora Trade and Investment Council in the United States on October 19, 2007.

“The programme will connect Jamaican and US businesses, policy-makers, investment bankers, large and small investors, key sector experts, and venture capital specialists to distinguish Jamaica as a prime investment destination,” the organisers said.

Among the expert group being assembled for the conference are Jamaica’s Aubyn Hill, chief executive officer of Corporate Strategies; Gary Peart, director and CEO of Mayberry Investments; Eric Light, president of The Strawberry Group and Patrick Casserly, president and CEO of e-Services Group International, the organisers said.

The 2007 Investment Conference and Trade Expo themed “Beautiful Beaches, Bountiful Business”, will take place at the Hilton Hasbrouck Heights & Executive Meeting Centre in New Jersey and is a first for the Jamaica Trade Council State representatives within the Northeast US region.

“It is aimed at promoting joint ventures that will participate in the expanding opportunities in the Jamaican economy, including Renewable Energy, Agriculture and Agro-Allied Industry, Information and Communication Technology, and Health & Wellness Tourism Services,” said Beverly Smith, NE Region Trade Council Sector Leader and chief organiser.

She said participants would engage in plenary sessions, workshops, information sessions, investor forums, and expositions, “creating an environment to gain the market intelligence that will enlighten their decision-making process for investing, therefore enabling them to better access the investment opportunities in Jamaica’s key sectors as areas for growth”.

Rrepresentatives from Jamaica Trade and Invest (JTI), formerly Jampro and the United States’ Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) have also been invited to partocipate in the conference.

The Jamaican Diaspora Trade & Investment Council Northeast USA Region is a division of The Jamaican Diaspora Foundation which was established to facilitate and strengthen the links and support between Jamaicans residing abroad and those at home, with Jamaica’s development being its broad objective.