MONTEGO BAY, St James – ASSISTANT Secretary General of the Organisation of American States (OAS), Ambassador Albert Ramdin will declare the 14th staging of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Expo open on October 14 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Rose Hall.

Ambassador Ramdin will deliver the keynote address at the high-powered three-day trade exposition which is being guided by the theme “Unleashing Innovations”.

Ambassador Ramdin, a national of the Republic of Suriname, was elected Assistant Secretary General of the OAS during the 35th Regular Session of its General Assembly. Since his election in 2005, he has diligently worked to advance a comprehensive development agenda. He has directly engaged countries to determine priority needs and supported initiatives aimed at promoting innovation, energy security and environmental sustainability.

In that regard, he has helped secure funding from donor countries and international financial institutions. Additionally, he has proposed strengthening the development agenda through the establishment of a Permanent Committee on Development at the OAS.

A strong supporter of building alliances with other regional integration movements and economic groupings in the hemisphere, the OAS Assistant Secretary General also served the Caribbean Community (Caricom) in various capacities, including his role as Assistant Secretary-General for Foreign and Community Relations of Caricom.

Expo 2011 Committee Chairperson, Gloria Henry said the chamber is honoured to have Ambassador Ramdin as keynote speaker at the opening of the event which will see exhibitors from a wide cross section of industries, including manufactured goods, services, technology, tourism, craft, agriculture, trade and investment showcasing their products to captive audiences.

Henry said the trade show which ends on October 16, will also provide learning opportunities for new and established businesses in consultation sessions that will be facilitated by JAMPRO.

“The exposition will also be used as a means of providing support for small and micro enterprises (SMEs), by featuring an interesting mix of presentations and displays, geared specifically towards prospective and existing entrepreneurs seeking information to assist them in setting up, or carrying out improvements to existing businesses.”

Expo 2011 is an ideal marketing opportunity for companies and organisations, and already businesses are signing on for what is shaping up to be the biggest and best showing yet. This trade show seeks to create an opportunity for businesses to place emphasis on innovation; innovative technology, innovative manufacturing, innovative services and innovative people and processes. Unleashing innovation, therefore, is at the core of many industries’ business model and Expo 2011 will showcase the most innovative of Jamaican products and services as well as provide direction for companies seeking to employ innovative strategies towards prosperity.