Jamaica Gleaner

French delegation arrives today in search of business

- Jason.cross@gleanerjm.com

A DELEGATION of business leaders from France is scheduled to arrive in the island today for a two-day visit to explore viable opportunit­ies for companies in France and Jamaica in the areas of water sanitation, water distributi­on, energy and aeronautic­s.

French ambassador to Jamaica, Denys Wibaux, made the disclosure to The Gleaner yesterday at the inaugurati­on of the French Visa Applicatio­n Center located at the DHL building in New Kingston. The centre will facilitate the processing of visas for Jamaicans wishing to go to France for periods longer than 90 days, instead of having them visit and apply in Panama.

“Today I have the pleasure to welcome a delegation of French companies. These are among the biggest companies we have in France in the fields of water sanitation, water distributi­on, energy, aeronautic­s and technology. I thank JAMPRO for helping us set up this delegation because it is the first time in many years that we have not had such an important delegation of French companies visiting Jamaica,” he said.

MEETINGS WITH GOV’T OFFICIALS

Throughout the two days, members of the delegation will meet with key government officials and their private-sector counterpar­ts.

“They will have a number of meetings. I have already requested and obtained a number of appointmen­ts for them with various ministers of the Jamaican Government. It is important to work hand in hand with both Government and private sector.

“You have such a growing economy in Jamaica. The macro is very good. The picture is good, and I am happy to welcome them, and I think we can build on an existing foundation. The Visa Applicatio­n Center here will facilitate the issuance of visas [for business purposes],” the ambassador pointed out.

 ?? IAN ALLEN/ PHOTOGRAPH­ER ?? Bernard Vijaykumar (right), regional head for the Americas, VFS Global, explains how the biometric kit works to Denys Wibaux (second right), ambassador of France to Jamaica; Ariel Bowen (second left), acting director, Consular Affairs Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade; and Shenell Hugh, visa officer in the French Visa Applicatio­n Center. Occasion was the inaugurati­on of the Visa Applicatio­n Center for France at the DHL Express offices in Kingston on Tuesday.
IAN ALLEN/ PHOTOGRAPH­ER Bernard Vijaykumar (right), regional head for the Americas, VFS Global, explains how the biometric kit works to Denys Wibaux (second right), ambassador of France to Jamaica; Ariel Bowen (second left), acting director, Consular Affairs Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade; and Shenell Hugh, visa officer in the French Visa Applicatio­n Center. Occasion was the inaugurati­on of the Visa Applicatio­n Center for France at the DHL Express offices in Kingston on Tuesday.

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