2009-07-02

Jamaica Trade & Invest to Strengthen Links with the Middle East

Jamaica Trade and Invest (JTI) and the London-based Middle East Association jointly hosted a reception on June 30, in London, to improve the business relationship between Jamaica and the Middle East.

JTI became a member of the Middle East Association (MEA) in February.  Its European Regional Manager, Laurence Jones, said that the agency is seeking to target Middle Eastern multinational corporations operating in the UK, as well as UK multinationals trading with or investing in the Middle East.

“The aim is to disseminate information on the investment opportunities available in Jamaica, leading up to trade and investment missions to Jamaica by these companies in November 2009, and early 2010,” Mr. Jones said.

He said that opportunities exist in Jamaica for UK and Middle Eastern business in the financial services, ICT, tourism, construction, creative and maritime industries (especially ship registration), and energy/renewable energy sectors, among others.

The MEA is an independent and non-profit association, and is the UK’s premier organization for promoting trade and good relations with the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey and Iran.

The MEA represents large and small companies, from all business and industry sectors, which together account for an estimated 70 percent of the UK’s trade with the region.

The patron of the Association is the Duke of York, UK special representative for international trade and investment.