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The Jamaica Observer covered the B’nai B’rith Diplomatic Encounter Series, where Ambassador of Jamaica to the United States and Permanent Representative of Jamaica to the Organization of American States Audrey P. Marks addressed the historic, trade and technology relations Jamaica has with the United States and with Israel.

The diplomatic encounter series enables ambassadors and other Washington officials to directly address the most pressing diplomatic issues of the day. 

Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States Audrey Marks is inviting Israelis to explore investment opportunities in Jamaica.
Ambassador Marks, who addressed members of the B’nai B’rith International Center for Human Rights and Public Policy at its headquarters in Washington, DC recently, urged members who have an interest in trade and investment to organise a delegation to Jamaica to look at prospects in the areas of information and communications technology (ICT), agro-processing, medical tourism and infrastructure development.

“Avenues through which partnerships between Jamaican and Israeli investors could be forged could also be explored,” she pointed out.

She also offered to help organise a similar mission of Jamaican investors to Israel.

“Ladies and gentlemen, Jamaica is open and ready for business. Over the last five years, a stable economy has been maintained. Jamaica was listed as having the best-performing stock market in the world in 2015 and was rated as being among the 10 most improved economies in the world. The (2015) Forbes Best Countries for Business Report has improved Jamaica’s ranking from 64th to 59th for ease of doing business, and the number-one country in the Caribbean for doing business,” the ambassador pointed out.

She noted that Jamaica is considering establishing a Jamaican diaspora bond, like that of the highly successful Israeli diaspora bond, and would welcome any guidance or support that can be offered “as we seek to undertake this endeavour”.

Marks said that Israel’s “incredible ingenuity” as a small state is truly commendable, noting that there is so much Jamaica can learn from the country.

She said that the Government of Jamaica is committed to working with “our Israeli counterpart to ensure that our bilateral partnership continues to grow from strength to strength”.

The diplomat indicated that she has already started discussions regarding a youth exchange programme.

Founded in New York in October 1843 by German Jewish immigrants, the B’nai B’rith International is the world’s oldest Jewish service organisation.

Its mission is to unite people of the Jewish faith and to enhance Jewish identity through strengthening Jewish family life, providing broad-based services for the benefit of senior citizens, and facilitating advocacy and action on behalf of Jews throughout the world.