Monday, February 13, 2012

FICAC/CCOJ International Trade Expo 2011 a huge success
Consular Corps of Jamaica showcases nations

The Most Honourable Portia Simpson Miller, Prime Minister of Jamaica, paid a visit to Expo 2011, and paused to exchange pleasantries with His Excellency The Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen (centre), the Governor General of Jamaica and Honourable Arnold Foote, President of the World Federation of Consuls.

From October 9 to 11, 2011, the Jamaica Pegasus hotel was transformed into an ex officio 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.

Dr. Kenneth Baugh, then Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, with (from left) Honorable Arnold Foote, president of the World Federation of Consuls, Mr Milton Samuda, President of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, and Mr Bruce Bowen, President and CEO of Scotiabank Group.

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

FICAC President Arnold Foote also stated that the development of trade is one of the most important functions of the Consul.

Excerpt of 'The Gleaner'
newspaper article, published
October 2011.