Focus on economic investment in Puerto Rico The Resident Commissioner for Puerto Rico, Luis Fortu'o, along with the Secretary of Economic Development for Puerto Rico, Jorge Silva, will join officials from the City of Jacksonville, State of Florida, Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce, Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT), and key representatives from Puerto Rico's manufacturing sector from Oct. 25 ' 26, 2005 for the "Puerto Rico Trade Summit II."

Registration is now open at phone 904-630-3070 or e-mail at [email protected].

This year's Summit, to be held at the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village, is designed to foster discussion of trade and commercial issues related to Puerto Rico. The first Puerto Rico Trade Summit was held in 2003 and helped to further stimulate growth in the Puerto Rico ' Jacksonville trade lane. As the US government analyzes tax policy in Puerto Rico this year, the Puerto Rico Trade Summit II will bring government and business together to develop strategies to strengthen the Puerto Rican and Jacksonville economies.

The economic health of Puerto Rico and Jacksonville are closely linked: Puerto Rico is Jacksonville's largest trading partner with more than one-third of all cargo moving through Jacksonville's port either originating from or bound for the island. Additionally, more than 70 percent of trade between the United States and Puerto Rico moves through Jacksonville.

This year's event will run from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, October 25, and from 9 a.m. to 12 noon on Wednesday, October 26. The event features panel discussions and keynote speeches from industry experts, dining and networking opportunities, as well as a cocktail reception sponsored by Rums of Puerto Rico at the World Golf Hall of Fame in St. Augustine, Florida.

Local shippers, ocean carriers and maritime service providers from Jacksonville and other Florida port communities, as well as executives from national corporations are expected to attend. Registration for the Summit is $150 per person. Checks are payable to JAXPORT, and payment is required before Oct. 1, 2005.

To register, please call 904-630-3070 or e-mail [email protected].