Susan Gordon, Staff Reporter"A TOUCH of France 2006 intends to create far more business opportunities this year than it did last year," said the assistant to the Trade Commissioner at the French Embassy, Karlene Lemaire.
She was speaking at the launch of 'A Touch of France 2006 in Jamaica' held recently at the French Embassy in Kingston. Lemaire noted that business between the two countries continue to be of interest and pointed to increasing popularity among Jamaican and French companies of the exhibition. This year's exhibition will have a health component which is expected to generate additional business.
A Touch of France is an annual trade exhibition which features commercial products and the cultural aspects of French nations. The event is organised by the Embassy of France and the Alliance Française de la Jamaïque and aims at developing business, cultural linguistic and educational ties between France and Jamaica.
FRENCH EXPORTERS
AND DISTRIBUTORS
"Last year, US$3 million worth of business was made. This year, we hope to do better than that," said Lemaire at the launch. "Jamaicans are still asking for French exporters and distributors" she continued, explaining there had also been an increase in the demand from France since year 2002.
This year's exhibition will be from March 18, to March 20, at the Hilton Kingston Hotel in St. Andrew. It will showcase French fashion, music, foods, wines, perfumes, automotive and construction industries.
One of the highlights of this year's trade show is a business forum with the French Development Agency on the final day of the exhibition. Lemaire said the agency will be prepared to provide public and private funding for projects.
Some business success stories from former exhibitions include signed contracts between the French company Sagem and the Ministry of National Security for the use of a technology which can be used to identify fingerprints and the Guadeloupeans and Jamaicans in the bamboo industry.
Other areas known to bring in tremendous business at 'A Touch of France' are sales of French wines, perfumes.
