 |
 |
 |
|
February 2014
|
This forum, “New Innings: Competitiveness through Global Value Chains, Clustering and Innovation,” promises to debunk myths and stimulate the creative juices towards engaging the possibilities that exist in new growth industries with increasing global growth trends. For regional policy makers, private sector practitioners, consultants and academics, the Jamaica Pegasus is the place to be for these two days! Amongst the goodies being served is the story of Levi Roots, Jamaican-born, UK citizen who made the big time in 2007 when his Reggae Reggae Sauce, a delightful mix of barbecue and jerk sauce, won an exclusive contract to be carried in Sainsbury’s stores across Britain. Come and be served this tantalising feast by the chef himself! Hear how he embraced venture capital investment and how he continues to move his product range up the global value chain to stay competitive. Explore with Dr Clive Muir practical models of culinary tourism; the Manifesto for the Nordic Kitchen (Denmark) and the 20,000 Thai Restaurant Abroad project (Thailand). Hear how these compare to the People-to-People program (Bahamas), plantation and farm tours (Jamaica). Yes we have the basis for culinary tourism, but do we have the will to make it happen? Listen to experts on how Jamaica is preparing for the 12,500 TEU ships that will be passing through the Panama Canal in 2015 to become the transhipment and air cargo logistics hub of the western hemisphere. This is a must-attend for regional policy makers and practitioners in this field. For policy makers, institutions, private sector organisations and firms engaged in charting development pathways for new productive sectors, it provides access to a series of cluster and global value chain case studies in areas such as eco-tourism, medical tourism, alternative energy and food and beverage. To crown the event, regional firms will share the nuts and bolts of firm competitiveness. For a preview of the full draft agenda and registration information visit our website at www.uwi.edu/ccfc or contact CCfC’s Secretariat at (868) 662-2002 Ext. 83938/84135/85481 or ccfc@sta.uwi.edu for further details. |
As the Caribbean continues to struggle with declining growth, finding niches offering comparative and competitive advantages is the new economic imperative. Finding ways to do it is equally important. The second Caribbean Competitiveness Forum, organised by the Caribbean Centre for Competitiveness, SALISES, UWI, in partnership with the Caribbean Export Development Agency and the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica on March 18-19th 2014 explores ways forward for regional competitiveness through Clusters, Global Value Chains and Innovation.