UPDATED: Growth & Jobs | Jamaica Investment Forum attracts high-profile speakers

A mix of high-profile local and international speakers have been confirmed for the nation's premier business event, the Jamaica Investment Forum (JIF), scheduled to take place in Montego Bay, St James, from June 12-14. 

The stellar list of speakers includes international investors Wesley Edens, co-founder of Fortress Investment Group; Bob Dechant, chief executive officer (CEO) of Ibex; and Andrew Chapman, founder of Chapman Ventures.

Among the list of Jamaican investors confirmed are Michael Lee-Chin, chairman of the Economic Growth Council; Yoni Epstein, CEO of Itel-BPO Solutions; Omar Azan, CEO of Boss Furniture Company Limited; Grantley St John Stephenson, CEO of Kingston Wharves; and Stephen Price, managing director of FLOW Jamaica.

JAMPRO's President, Diane Edwards, said the Jamaica Investment Forum's speakers and panels would represent the best of Jamaica and the island's growing economy.

"We want to reveal to investors the untapped possibilities in Jamaica and demonstrate that we have significant business opportunities with an equally advantageous ecosystem, which includes a vibrant economy with brilliant talent and many developments taking place," noted Edwards.

"The roster of speakers for JIF 2018 will give investors an excellent representation of Jamaica's progression, and I believe their stories will support our goal to secure investment leads at the conference."

BENEFITS OF INVESTING IN JAMAICA

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Audley Shaw will set the stage with a presentation on the benefits of investing in Jamaica.

Other government ministers will be speaking at the event to shed light on the country's economic progress and opportunities for business in Jamaica. Among them are Nigel Clarke, minister of finance and the public service; Karl Samuda, minister of economic growth and job creation; and Daryl Vaz, minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation.

During the three-day conference, the speakers will participate in 14 sessions covering Jamaica's business landscape. The country's advancement in technology, economic growth strategy and growing business potential will be explored by the panellists.

Investors in attendance will get the opportunity to speak with persons who have already invested in Jamaica, as well as hear testimonials from others.

The forum will serve as host for private and public figures in Jamaica and international investors who are interested in developing the Jamaican economy and business opportunities in the country.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: An earlier version of this story had indicated that Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Dr Andrew Wheatley, minister of science, energy and technology, would be speaking at the opening ceremony of the forum. However, neither will be able to attend.)