MoBay Expo 2020 gets cracking today

WESTERN BUREAU:

With all hands on deck and several overseas delegations in the island, the three-day Montego Bay Expo is slated to kick off at the city’s convention centre this morning.

The 30th anniversary trade show, which is geared at promoting linkages among local, regional, and international business stakeholders, will focus on affordable housing solutions as city’s accommodation struggles to keep pace with expanding offerings in the tourism and business process outsourcing sectors.

Richard Pandohie, president of the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association, who will deliver the keynote address, is expected to address the looming spectre on the global novel coronavirus outbreak and ongoing jitters for businesses.

Business matchmaking

Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Janet Silvera said she was confident that this year’s staging would surpass previous editions.

“What we here at the chamber are bent on doing is to have our local providers of goods and services build a relationship with the overseas delegations where business partnerships can be formed,” she said.

As late as last month, Silvera said the chamber was still getting bookings from overseas interests for an event that would facilitate business-to-business matchmaking.

With more than 100 booths offering a variety of items, the expo will showcase a variety of attractions such as a wheel of fortune and a kiddies village.

Sunday’s final day will host a gospel concert.

The event, which is being staged with the blessing of the St James Municipal Corporation, has attracted sponsorship support from the RJRGLEANER Group, the Tourism Enhancement Fund, Ascend Innovations, Sandals, the Montego Bay Convention Centre, and Coral Cliff Gaming and Entertainment Lounge.