MANDEVILLE, Jamaica — The Manchester Chamber of Commerce (MCOC) will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the West London Chamber of Commerce, aimed at strengthening trade relations between Manchester based businesses and the UK MSMEs.

According to a release today, president of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Garfield Green, said discussions were held with the former British High Commissioner to Jamaica, David Fitton, which led to an invitation to attend an Economic Growth Forum: Advancing UK-Jamaica Relations at the British High Commission, Kingston during July, sponsored by Making Connections Work Ltd, a London-based, international management consultant company.

 “These discussions explored the establishment of relevant partnerships with the UK, which would help with capacity building for businesses in Manchester and to drive economic growth. We are very pleased that this path breaking initiative is supported by Seth George Ramocan, Jamaican High Commissioner to the UK as part of Jamaica55 UK celebrations,” Green noted.

CEO of Making Connections Work Ltd, Rudi Page said,  “International Trade Partnerships are essential for the joint prosperity of UK and Jamaica. Capacity building support will be provided to Manchester businesses through subsidized International Trade Support and supply chain collaboration. This initiative also provides Manchester Chamber of Commerce with dedicated professional services, market access to the international chamber movement, diaspora-led businesses, leaders of Business Improvement Districts, and networking events”.

The MCOC stated that the Manchester Municipal Council has been invited to play an important role in this new partnership between the UK and businesses in Manchester, and is expected to participate in the signing of the MOU in London.

Green also pointed out that the MOU will present the Manchester Chamber of Commerce with opportunities to establish cooperation and twinning agreements with civic and business associations in UK.

“The MCOC is actively working to have a Business Support Centre established in Mandeville. This centre will help new and existing businesses to access some business services and opportunities, and to help new businesses to get off the ground. This process is advanced with the support of the Manchester Municipal Corporation so this linkage with the UK will definitely improve diaspora support and international trade partnerships for Manchester. We are looking forward to the signing of the MOU,” Green said.