In-person event at La Bellone
10 November 2026 @ 13h30-21h00 CET
The EU–Jamaica Business Forum will be held on November 10, 2026 in Brussels.
The event is organised by The Brussels Times in partnership with the Embassy of Jamaica and Mission to the European Union, together with the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO).
The Forum aims to foster constructive engagement and reinforce mutual understanding between Jamaica and the European Union at a pivotal moment for their relationship.
The discussions will explore practical ways to strengthen EU–Jamaica business relations, including opportunities for trade and investment, connectivity between the two markets, and resilience in a changing global environment.
The programme will feature high-level dialogue, followed by a networking reception offering an opportunity for informal exchanges in an atmosphere enriched by Jamaican music and culinary flavours.
– Date: 10 November 2026
– Registration: 13:30–13:50
– Time: Forum programme 14:00–17:20 with networking and cocktail reception 17:30–21:00
– Venue: La Bellone, Brussels
Half Day Forum
13:30 – 13:50 – Accreditation & welcome coffee
14:00 – 14:30 – Opening session & keynote speeches: Europe and Jamaica in a Changing Global Order
14:30 – 15:15 – Panel 1:Trade, investment and strategic connectivity: Unlocking the EU– Jamaica partnership
15:15 – 15:45 – Networking coffee break
15:45 – 16:30 – Panel 2: Fireside chat with Intellibus: Jamaica in the digital global economy
16:30 – 17:15 – Panel 3: Connecting the Caribbean: EU–Jamaica logistics and future-ready infrastructure
17:15 – 17:20 – High-level outlook and institutional reflections: What comes next for EU–Jamaica relations?
17:30 – 21:00 – Networking and cocktail reception
Opening session & keynote speeches: Europe and Jamaica in a changing global order
The international landscape is entering a new phase, with resilience, sustainable growth, and strategic connectivity defining global influence. As Europe strengthens its partnerships beyond its immediate neighbourhood, Jamaica is positioning itself as a key Caribbean partner in climate resilience, logistics, digital transformation, and sustainable investment.
In this context, EU–Jamaica relations are gaining renewed relevance. Anchored in the CARIFORUM–EU Economic Partnership Agreement and aligned with Jamaica’s long-term development priorities, cooperation is moving beyond traditional trade toward a broader, forward-looking partnership.
This opening session will set the tone for a dialogue on how Europe and Jamaica can work together to build resilient value chains, unlock investment, and strengthen the EU’s engagement with the Caribbean.
Keynote
Senior Official, European Commission, DG Trade
Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
H.E. Mrs. Diedre Mills, Ambassador of Jamaica and Head of Mission to the EU
Panel I – Trade, investment and strategic connectivity: Unlocking the EU–Jamaica partnership
A discussion on how the CARIFORUM–EU Economic Partnership Agreement, Global Gateway, and Jamaica’s Vision 2030 can create new opportunities for trade, investment, and strategic economic cooperation. The panel will explore market access, investment flows, logistics, and Jamaica’s role as a gateway to the wider Caribbean region.
Speakers
Rebbeca Christie, Research Fellow, Bruegel
Riccardo Rossi, Member of Cabinet, Jozef Síkela, DG INTPA
Ambassador Esmond Reid, Under-Secretary, Foreign Trade Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
Dave Keating, Moderator, The Brussels Times
Panel II – Fireside chat with Intellibus: Jamaica in the digital global economy
As digital technologies reshape trade and international business, this fireside chat will explore how Jamaica will lead the Caribbean’s transformation into a digital services hub for large global enterprises based in Europe, the United Kingdom and North America. The discussion will explore investment opportunities in the development of engineering talent and digital infrastructure, and how collaboration between Jamaican and European businesses can support innovation, skills development and new routes to international markets.
Speakers
Ed Watel, Founder, Intellibus
Laurence Jones, European Regional Manager, JAMPRO
Dave Keating, Moderator, The Brussels Times
Panel III – Connecting the Caribbean: EU–Jamaica logistics and future-ready infrastructure
A policy and business discussion on how Jamaica and the EU can advance the green transition, strengthen climate resilience and support infrastructure-led sustainable growth. The panel will explore opportunities in renewable energy and resilient infrastructure, including how EU–Jamaica cooperation can support Jamaica’s logistics ambitions and deliver lasting benefits for communities and businesses.
Speakers
Olga Baus Gibert, Head of Unit, DG INTPA, European Commission
Mario Lievens, Director, Port of Antwerp-Bruges International
Major General (Ret’d) Ambassador Antony Anderson, CEO, National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA)
Dave Keating, Moderator, The Brussels Times
High-level outlook and institutional reflections: What comes next for EU–Jamaica relations?
A closing reflection on the future of the EU–Jamaica partnership and the steps needed to turn shared priorities into concrete cooperation.
H.E. Mrs. Diedre Mills, Ambassador of Jamaica and Head of Mission to the EU
Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
Rebbeca Christie, Research Fellow, Bruegel
Riccardo Rossi, DG INTPA
Ambassador Esmond Reid, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
Ed Watel, Intellibus
Laurence Jones, JAMPRO
Olga Baus Gibert, DG INTPA
Mario Lievens, Port of Antwerp-Bruges International
Major General (Ret’d) Ambassador Antony Anderson, CEO, NaRRA
Moderator
Dave Keating, The Brussels Times
Date
10 November 2026Time
13h30 – 21h00 CET (Brussels Time)Attendance to this event is by invitation only.
