Dean of the Consular Corps of Jamaica Arnold Foote (second left), makes a presentation on Expo 2004 to members of the diplomatic corps. From left to right are the Mexican Ambassador Benito Andion, Colombian Ambassador Kent Francis James and Secretary of the Consular Corps, Irena Cousins. - Contributed
THE INTERNATIONAL Trade Expo 2004 will be held on October 10-12, 2004 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.
Countries represented in Jamaica will be participating in Expo 2004, displaying the products and services that they export and will have information available on what they import.
The Dean of the Consular Corps of Jamaica, Arnold Foote, said that 34 countries have registered and will be participating in Expo 2004.
Some of the participating countries include Finland, Poland, Norway, Mexico, Colombia, South Africa, Nigeria, Turkey, Lithuania, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Malaysia, Brazil, Germany, Slovakia, Italy, Cuba and Trinidad & Tobago.
BUSINESS SECTOR
Mr. Foote also took the opportunity to invite all local businessmen to visit the Expo on October 11 and 12 to meet with the businessmen from these countries in order to develop contacts for Jamaica and for their mutual benefit.
He also appealed to Jamaican companies desirous of finding joint-venture partners to visit the Expo and have discussions with the countries represented, as several of these countries are also looking for joint-venture partners in Jamaica.
This annual event will improve every year and contribute greatly to the development of Kingston as a tourist destination, said Mr. Foote.
For the first time in Jamaica, the Consular Corps will be presenting a cultural gala at Emancipation Park, free of cost.
CULTURAL GALA
This year the cultural gala will feature a Nigerian cultural presentation. Colombia will also be presenting a musical extravaganza. Cuba, Mexico, the United Kingdom and Jamaica are also expected to make cultural presentations. Details will appear in the press next week.
The World Federation of Consuls has given the Consular Corps' Expo 2004 its full support, so too has the Government of Jamaica and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. K.D. Knight will be the guest speaker and declare the Expo open on Sunday, October 10.
The Expo will be opened to the public on October 11 and 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke will be presenting the Governor-General's Trophy to the booth judged as the 'Best Booth' at the closing ceremony.
