Ministers of Finance, Representatives from 26 countries and over 200 Participants attended the first ever Outsourcing Caribbean Conference (OCC) held in Jamaica December 6 -7, 2017. Premier Robinson, as Minister of Finance, also had the privilege of being the Patron for the Event and of having Welcome Remarks contained in the Delegates' Brochure.

The OCC is a Regional Investment Promotion Conference of Caribbean Export Development Agency and the Caribbean Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (CAIPA) of which Invest Turks and Caicos is an active member.

In her Welcome Remarks, Premier Robinson stated, "Globally, the outsourcing industry is growing exponentially and the Caribbean is well positioned to take advantage of this growth. Already, several territories in the region are making it one of the mainstays of their economies. The industry can have a significant economic and social impact on the region helping us to achieve our developmental goals". She continued, "This first ever Outsource to the Caribbean Conference is the Caribbean's indication to the world that we are serious about improving the conditions in our region to attract, retain and grow outsourcing businesses...The Turks and Caicos Islands is proud to support this ground-breaking initiative."

Premier Robinson's Keynote Address provided insight into the Caribbean foray into the outsourcing sector and more specifically on developments in the Turks and Caicos Islands to attract investments. During her Keynote, Premier Robinson highlighted 7 reasons in support of the Caribbean region as prime for developing the Outsourcing Industry: Location, skilled labour, comparatively priced labour, labour retention, friendly business environment, high quality of life and modern infrastructure. Her call came for "One Caribbean" and for more collaboration amongst Caribbean countries. She used the opportunity to thank and commend the organizers Ms. Diane Edwards, President of CAIPA and President of JAMPRO and Ms. Pamela Coke Hamilton, Executive Director of Caribbean Export Development Agency.

In promoting TCI as a place for investors, Premier Robinson highlighted TCI's political stability, close proximity to the USA, easy access with flights from the UK, USA and Canadian markets, no direct taxation, well - regulated financial services sector, prime undeveloped land, effective judicial system based on English Common Law and our commitment to diversify our economy.

The Conference saw panelists from across the Caribbean and North America and included representatives from critical regional Institutions such as UWI, CSEC and CARICOM (CSME).

Jamaica's Minister of Finance, Hon Audley Shaw was on hand to deliver the Welcome Address.

Premier Robinson also had the opportunity to be interviewed on Live Radio and for Business Access TV.

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