From September 23-25, 2008, the world will come to Aruba.

Aruba will then be the host of the IX Business Forum of the Greater Caribbean. The Business Forum of the Greater Caribbean is an annual activity aimed at fostering trade and investments in the region. The event is divided into three parts, a seminar with interactive sessions, the holding of business meetings among the participating entrepreneurs, and an exhibition of products and services.

Interactive Conference
An interactive conference is an integral part of the event, because market access is not enough to enhance trade. It is necessary to increase mutual knowledge among countries in the Greater Caribbean region in order to make maximum use of business opportunities. The activity thus provides the space for the participants to develop mutual relations and discuss trade issues together with governmental authorities and other experts in this field.

Business Meetings
The event provides the entrepreneurs of the region with the opportunity to establish contacts with their counterparts through business meetings planned according to the interests of the participants.

Exposition
There will also be an opportunity for entrepreneurs to exhibit their products and services for participants all over the world. There will be space available for different stands at the venue.

The Business Forum is an event of the Association of Caribbean States, a regional organization of which Aruba is an associated member. This event is organized to consolidate an enhanced space for trade and investment in the region and to increase and strengthen trade relations among the Countries of the Greater Caribbean region. Because of the trade relations that Aruba has outside the Caribbean region, this event will also target the European, South American, Asian and North American region.

Indicators of the Business Forum of the Greater Caribbean
An average of the participation

Individual Participants            300
Companies and Institutions        200
Countries                     17

The ACS Business Forum in Aruba is an initiative of the Department of Economic Affairs, Commerce and Industry (DEACI) and the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs. The Organizing Committee however is a public-private partnership between the DEACI, the Aruba Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Aruba Tourism Authority.