LEE CHIN
IN ITS continuing focus on encouraging investment in Jamaica, the National Commercial Bank recently partnered with JAMPRO in hosting a forum on business opportunities in Jamaica to a wide variety of Canadian businesses and other potential investors, including Jamaicans living in Canada.
"The companies in the NCB group are well-placed to provide financial services to these potential investors and we took the opportunity to inform them of our capabilities. We are as proud of our service delivery on the retail banking side as we are with our brokerage and corporate banking services. Our strength lies in the robustness of the infrastructure of the institution and the fact that we can provide a wide range of services to anyone wishing to do business in Jamaica," said NCB's general manager of international business development, N. Christian Stokes, commenting on the trade mission
The chairman of the NCB Group, Michael Lee Chin, gave the keynote address at the forum and shared his own experience as an investor in Jamaica which provided much encouragement to the audience. "Why invest in Jamaica?" Mr. Lee Chin challenged the gathering at the Toronto Board of Trade Airport Centre. "The closer you look, the better it looks. Jamaica has an excellent risk/reward ratio - that's when you have an opportunity to preserve your capital."
Mr. Lee Chin effused, "Great values are there in Jamaica, great businesses with great opportunities." He also highlighted the fact that the government was very open to investment and pointed out that economic indicators over the last few years have been very positive. He also added that JAMPRO provides consultancy services and resources to investors.
One of the objectives which NCB had for the mission was the opportunity to market their services to Jamaicans living in Canada and those who attended the Forum. "It is as important for us to serve the needs of NCB's customers in Jamaica, as it is to serve the needs of the Jamaicans wherever they live in the world. NCB remains one of Jamaica's best known brands, and certainly retains recognition and regard within the Diaspora," remarked Mr. Lee Chin.
According to Mr. Stokes, "We are hoping to leverage the linkages made from this event into a mutually beneficial relationship with Jamaicans living in Canada." Mr. Stokes stated.
Among the NCB executives giving presentations on the bank's services were the general manager of NCB's corporate banking division, Marjorie Seebaran the vice-president of wealth management and distribution at NCB Capital Markets, Debra Lopez.
