MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA—As they like to say in Jamaica, "Let's do business." That's the central theme for the second-ever Jamaica Investment Forum (JIF) at the Montego Bay Convention Centre March 10 to 12, 2015. Sponsored by Jamaica Promotions (JAMPRO), Jamaica's Trade and Investment agency, executive level representatives from 90 organizations gathered on Wednesday.

"This forum represents an opportunity for engagement, dialogue and concretizing business opportunities in Jamaica," said Diane Edwards, president of JAMPRO. "It comes against the backdrop of a dramatically improved business environment, as noted by international agencies, which have improved Jamaica's ranking as a destination for investments."

The JAMPRO organized forum is Jamaica's premier international investment and business conference. It is designed for eager investors and business executives, who want to discover business opportunities and industry developments, learn about alternative emerging opportunities and discuss Jamaica's business climate.

"One of Jamaica's real advantages is the quality of its human capital," said Edwards. "This year, we are really focused on the 36 well researched project opportunities...We have undertaken a broad consultation with public and private sector to identify collaboration opportunities for Public Private Partnerships, sale, lease, and joint v

The Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, prime minister of Jamaica, said the nation's people are both businesslike and hospitable. She promised attendees they would come to know a people and an island that is the perfect environment in which to do business.

"My administration had just taken office and ushered in new energy and fresh optimism in Jamaica," Miller said. "Nevertheless, we had to contend with a global economy which was then still in recession ... Our goal is to facilitate win-win investments that will bring you a good rate of return, and also create the jobs we desire for our people."

To date, some 2,000 jobs have been generated as a result of the inaugural Forum in 2012, and over $500 million worth of projects advanced. According to JAMPRO president and CEO Diane Edwards compared to the last forum, this year's event is much more focused on marketable or bankable projects.

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