High Commission to Focus on Investment in 2013

Increasing investment in Jamaica will be one of the main areas of focus for the Jamaican High Commission in the United Kingdom (UK) this year.

High Commissioner, Her Excellency Aloun Ndombet Assamba, has said there are plans to court potential investors with a view to creating more jobs for Jamaicans.

She was speaking to JIS News on Saturday, February 2, after addressing a meeting of UK-based Jamaicans and business leaders at the High Commission in London.

The High Commissioner disclosed that she is working closely with the trade and investment agency, Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) and the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) in developing a co-ordinated approach.

“As a result of that, whenever I do an official visit to any area (representatives of) JAMPRO and the JTB accompany me and we hold meetings with potential investors as well as with tourism interests,” she said.

She said representatives from both agencies will accompany her when she presents her credentials, this month, to the five other countries to which she is accredited as non-resident Ambassador. These are Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Ireland.

Mrs. Ndombet Assamba said the High Commission will be looking to strengthen relations with these missions, with the aim of raising Jamaica’s profile.

There are also plans to increase Jamaica’s representation and influence in the multilateral arena in organisations such as the Commonwealth Secretariat, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and the international sugar, cocoa, and coffee bodies.

The meeting at the High Commission was to outline the Mission’s plans for 2013, which include actively pursuing engagement with second, third, and fourth generation Jamaicans throughout the UK, so that they will maintain their affinity and connection to the island; supporting the activities of community organisations; promoting and showcasing different aspects of Jamaican culture, including the literary arts.