By: Tony Best

A significant boost to international trade between the Caribbean and North America and opening of new business opportunities for the Caribbean Diaspora.

          They are on the list of major goals of the 17^th Annual Caribbean Multi-National Business Conference which is scheduled to be held in Montego Bay, Jamaica from November 8-11, 2012.

          More than 200 executives of international, national and local firms in the United States and the Caribbean as well as elected officials in State and local government legislatures and Councils are to participate in sessions at the Ritz Carlton resort. The conference is being organized by the New York Carib News, the leading Caribbean weekly paper in the U.S.

          “The global economy continues to experience challenging times and that’s particular true in Europe, the United States, Latin America and parts of Africa, Asia and the Caribbean,” said Karl Rodney, Carib News publisher. “But it’s also a time of business opportunities and entrepreneurs must explore ways to take advantage of them. Like its neighbors in the Caribbean, Jamaica is boosting its tourism industry, manufacturing, agriculture, construction and a variety of other sectors of its economy. We these issues and opportunities on the table for discussion. As U.S. companies seek to improve the bottom line venturing into new markets and establishing profitable business partnerships are essential. Jamaica with its welcoming environment can benefit from the thinking that pervades America’s executive suites and corporate boardrooms and that is firms can’t stand still. Jamaica is well-placed to attract new investment in a variety of areas.”

          Some highly successful corporate executives from different parts of the United States are to join their Jamaican and Caribbean counterparts during panel discussions and private meetings to explore opportunities for doing business, said Mr. Rodney.

          Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, the Rev. Andrew Young, Susan Taylor, a former editor and publisher of Essence Magazine, Paula Madison, until recently NBC Universal’s chief diversity officer and one of the high-ranking television executives, and Ed Goldberg, Macy’s Senior Vice President, are to participate in the conference.