Forums to highlight Expo 2007

Dalton Laing, Gleaner Correspondent

The Montego Bay Expo, which is set for this weekend at the Montego Bay Cruise Ship Terminal, has sights set on exhibition, entertainment and information and in order to effectively carry out such a mandate three forums will be the source of accomplishing most of its objectives.

According to Marlene Stephenson-Dalley, event coordinator, an important component for the forums will be training and development for the commerce industry. This is planned for Friday, when students will be passing through in droves. "The young people will be there and our mandate is to ensure they know that the skills needed on the job market are the ones disseminated here."

Two other forums are billed for Saturday on the subject area of 'Financing for Micro and Small

Business' and the opportunities available in the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME).

The CSME will be high on the agenda owing to the fact the Chamber sees the necessity for Jamaicans to be more aware of it, it workings and the available benefits.

The three forums will all be in keeping with the objectives of the expo which includes:

• To promote business and commerce in the region
• Create new partnerships
• Promote business opportunities among participants
• Showcase the best of Jamaica's goods and services
• Stimulate improved performance and standards by exposing our business in a competitive environment and
• Create awareness of the CSME and its significance among the private sector to get a positive attitude towards it.