Introduction

The U.S. Department of the Interior held its fifth Conference on Business Opportunities in the Islands, April 6-8, 2009, in Honolulu. The Conference was one in a series of events part of an the ongoing initiative of the Department of the Interior to foster private sector-led economic development in the U.S.-affiliated insular areas.

Like previous Conferences and Business Opportunities Missions, the purpose of this Conference was to help businesses take advantage of exciting opportunities in the U.S. territories and in nations in "free association" with the United States. The leaders of these jurisdictions introduced participants to their wonderful islands, and business and government leaders from these jurisdictions discussed the opportunities that exist  in sectors ranging from tourism to information technology. Participants also had the benefit of networking events with business and government leaders from the islands, the United States, and around the Asia-Pacific region, and were be able to pre-register for one-on-one meetings with potential partners of your choice.

Conference Details

The first day of the Conference featured high level dignitaries from throughout the Insular Areas and the U.S. mainland making presentations about the unique opportunities and benefits of doing business in the islands. The afternoon included breakout sessions on topics ranging from tourism to telecommunications and how planned infrastructure improvements will benefit the region.

The morning of the second day was devoted to more business oriented sessions.  The rest of the second day was set aside for a new program element – breakout sessions hosted by the island delegations themselves, discussing unique opportunities and incentives in each jurisdiction.

In addition, we held April 8 for prearranged one-on-one meetings. Participants had the opportunity to arrange these meetings before and during the conference. Several agencies that joined us at this Conference also hosted small workshops throughout the day.