August 20, 2024
Jamaica’s Consul General to New York, Alsion Wilson, says Jamaica and the Caribbean is ripe for investment and called for more concrete efforts from the United States (US) to get this done.
“We need to see the passage of legislation like the US-Caribbean Negotiations Act to enhance trade relations. We need to see greater resources devoted to supporting businesses seeking to invest in the region. We need to see a renewed focus on the Caribbean from US policymakers and businesses. The potential is vast, but it requires a concerted effort. By working together, we can build a more prosperous future for all our people,” she opined.
The consul general was speaking at the first annual CARICOM Business Forum put on by the City of Philadelphia Mayor’s Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs, the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, and the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia.
The landmark event brought together business leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers from across the Caribbean and the Philadelphia region to discuss economic development, business opportunities, and cross-cultural collaboration.
Wilson, who was the keynote speaker at the event, said that “as we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, our ability to come together and forge partnerships is not just a matter of economic strategy, it is a necessity. The Caribbean and the United States are not just neighbors. We are family, bound together by ties of history, culture, and a shared destiny. So it is through partnerships that we will build a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come”.
She said the Caribbean is a region full of investment opportunities.
“I encourage you. I am imploring all to explore these opportunities to engage with the dynamic businesses of the region and to discover the vast potential that awaits. Whether it is through joint ventures, investments, or strategic alliances, there are countless ways to tap into the Caribbean market and to be a part of our journey of growth and development,” she said.
Wilson noted that there is a wealth of support available with organizations, such as the US Trade and Development Agency, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, and the US Department of Commerce, offering a range of programs to help businesses expand into the Caribbean market.
She said that to attract this investment, Caribbean countries must create a favorable business environment – one marked by transparency, predictability, and competitiveness.
The CARICOM Business Forum is part of the Philly CARICOM Festival, a celebration of Caribbean culture, and featured a series of panel discussions, networking opportunities, and presentations from industry experts. Attendees also had the chance to explore potential partnerships and gain insights into the vibrant Caribbean market.
The CARICOM Business Forum aims to foster a deeper understanding of the Caribbean market and create opportunities for business expansion and collaboration. The event is open to all business professionals, entrepreneurs, and individuals interested in Caribbean economic affairs.