In keeping with Jamaica’s focus on building forward better, the World Free Zones Organization’s 8th Annual International Conference & Exhibition (AICE) 2022, the first to be held in the Caribbean, will focus on sustainability as central to economic growth when it takes place on island this summer.
“As we prepare to serve as host nation for this important global event, we are very pleased to have sustainability at the heart of the conference program,” said the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica. “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.”
The 2022 AICE program will feature directors of several multilateral organizations 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, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill noted that the conference will introduce new players to Jamaica 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.”
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.”
Themed, ‘Zones: Your Partner for Resilience, Sustainability and Prosperity,’ the World Free Zones Organization’s AICE 2022 five-day event will be held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre from June 13-17, 2022. It is expected to bring over 1,000 visitors into Jamaica. Registration for AICE in Jamaica is now open at www.AICE2022.com.
For more information about Jamaica, please visit www.visitjamaica.com.
About The Jamaica Tourist Board
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. JTB offices are also located in Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are located in Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Tokyo and Paris.
In 2021, the JTB was declared ‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination,’ ‘World’s Leading Family Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Wedding Destination’ for the second consecutive year by the World Travel Awards, which also named it the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board’ for the 14th consecutive year; and the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Destination’ for the 16th consecutive year; as well as the ‘Caribbean’s Best Nature Destination’ and the ‘Caribbean’s Best Adventure Tourism Destination.’ In addition, Jamaica was awarded four gold 2021 Travvy Awards, including ‘Best Destination, Caribbean/Bahamas,’ ‘Best Culinary Destination –Caribbean,’ Best Travel Agent Academy Program,’; as well as a TravelAge West WAVE award for ‘International Tourism Board Providing the Best Travel Advisor Support’ for a record-setting 10th time. In 2020, the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) named Jamaica the 2020 ‘Destination of the Year for Sustainable Tourism’. In 2019, TripAdvisor® ranked Jamaica as the #1 Caribbean Destination and #14 Best Destination in the World. Jamaica is home to some of the world’s best accommodations, attractions and service providers that continue to receive prominent global recognition.
For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the JTB’s Website at www.visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422). Follow the JTB on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. View the JTB blog at www.islandbuzzjamaica.com.
About The World Free Zones Organization
The World Free Zones Organization (World FZO) is a not-for-profit entity representing and acting as a unified voice for over 2,260 free zones around the world, spread across more than 168 countries in every continent. We aim to transform the way free zones are understood and interact with the broader economy Established in Geneva, Switzerland and headquartered in the Dubai in United Arab Emirates, World FZO provides global leadership in terms of knowledge of free zones, works to enhance public and general knowledge and perceptions of free zones, provides a multitude of services (such as research, events and data) for its members and the business community.
World FZO also helps increase awareness of the advantages of free zones in terms of economic and social development, foreign and direct investment.
About the AICE
Held annually, the World FZO AICE is the world’s “must attend” event for free zones and associated entities. It is an opportunity to build awareness among World FZO members and prominent participants from across the globe.
Over the course of the event, world-class speakers and senior policy makers, academics, multi-lateral organizations and global business leaders from over 80 countries come together with delegations from international free zones to share best practices and foster public awareness of the role and contribution to economic growth that free zones make.
