Consular Corps showcases nations

Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter

From October 9 to 11, The Jamaica Pegasus hotel was transformed into an ex-oficio United Nations meeting, promoting trade between nations.

Delegates from across the world gathered for the annual International Trade Expo, continuing a tradition that started in 2002. The then-executive of the Consular Corps of Jamaica thought the expo would be an excellent avenue for developing trade between the sending and receiving states.

The event is unique as it is the only expo of its kind that provides an environment where opposing states do business directly with each other.

Since the 2002 jump-off, the expo has gained in recognition and credibility to the extent that the World Federation of Consuls (FICAC) has adopted the idea for its trade-development programme worldwide.

President of FICAC, Arnold Foote, who is also president of the local corps and the man at the helm when the expo was conceptualised, opined that it was "the most important international trade project for the whole year".

He said that expo "can also become the main event that will rebuild Kingston as a tourist destination", and that it would attract more businessmen from all over the world to come to the city.

Huge success

"Exporters come and the more encouraging it is, the more people will come in and the bigger it will grow," he said. "I think it was a huge success. Even the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce has pledged future support."

More than 30 countries participated in this year's renewal. Deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade, Dr Ken Baugh, said at the opening ceremony that honorary consuls are important gateways for trade to penetrate markets.

He pointed out that though Jamaica's share of world trade is less than one per cent, trade constitutes a massive share of our gross domestic product - well over 90 per cent.

He cited that Jamaica's consul in a Belgian city was able to make the necessary contact for Jamaica to access the financial and technical assistance needed to make the bus park and bus-transportation system a reality.

The tangible results of the 2011 expo are already being seen. A memorandum of understanding was signed between Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, in which the Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI) will provide professional training and certification for Dominican Republican seafarers.

Like its previous years, the expo was a sea of colour and culture, all mixed to not only bring trade opportunities to Jamaica, but also expose locals to new territories without them boarding a plane.

"Many of us don't have the opportunity to travel, so we bring it to them," he said.

Aside from the booths, other acti-vities included a seminar on export financing, led by Scotiabank Group, the main sponsor of the expo. Foote, though, could not hide his disappoint in the lack of media coverage.

Media coverage crucial

"It (the expo) builds joint venture partnerships, and this can employ Jamaican people. But without the media, people won't get it," he said, citing the positive attention the expo received from participating states and the interest coming from others.

"Kuwait, for example, want to come in next year. But if we don't show it matters to Jamaica, the interest will dry up, again!" Foote, who is Jamaica's honorary consul to Turkey, was referring to the five-year gap which followed the last expo.

At the closing ceremony, Foote stressed that it was important for this venture to continue to grow, as it puts emphasis on trade with countries which have diplomatic relations with Jamaica. He noted that, as a testament to the success and significance of the event, 18 country representatives had already confirmed participation for Expo 2012.

On a lighter note, the friendly competition among the booths always makes for an interesting element to the expo.

The staff at the various embassies, high commissions and consulates spare no expense in putting on the best show.

This year, the prize for Best Booth went to the South African High Commission.

Looking forward, Foote definitely sees room for growth, as he noted that Jamaica has diplomatic ties with more than 100 countries. Apart from the expo, he is also keen to revitalise the International Cultural Gala, a showcase of artistic talent from the countries.