Jamaica hosts world free zones conference

Jamaica hosts an international conference on free zones this month, where the focus will be on sustainability for economic growth.

The World Free Zones Organization’s 8th Annual International Conference & Exhibition will be held from June 13-17, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, and is the first to be held in the Caribbean.

The five-day event will bring together world-class speakers, global free zone practitioners, policy makers, multi-lateral organizations and business representatives, to exchange ideas, experiences and visions for creating a more integrated global trade and business environment. The event is expected to bring over 1,000 visitors into Jamaica.

Stressing the importance of free zones to economic growth, especially within the Caribbean, Dr Samir Hamrouni, CEO of the World Free Zones Organization, said, “Free zones often function as enclaves of excellence well integrated with the global value chains. Jamaica is a key country boasting global linkages, with Kingston as the chief port. We believe AICE 2022 will benefit the whole region in general and Jamaica in particular.”

The 2022 AICE programme will feature directors of several multilateral organisations and other major institutions who will speak about free zones as partners for building resilience, promoting sustainability and achieving prosperity. Among the specific presentation topics being developed for the event are: Shaping the Future of Supply Chain Resilience; Charting the Future of an Inclusive E-commerce; Reforming the Global Tax System; and How Ecosystems of Trust Drive Prosperity.

Jamaica’s Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Aubyn Hill noted that the conference will introduce new players to the country as an investment and tourism destination. He said, “It will further our goal of attracting major opportunities for the development of large-scale, modern special economic zones.”

The conference is also a step to diversification of Jamaica's tourism sector, said its Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett. “This strengthens the alignment with our goals for tourism, as we are working to diversify the sector. We are aiming to make it more resilient and sustainable while also attracting investment to support its ongoing development and growth.”

Registration for AICE in Jamaica is now open at www.AICE2022.com.