Patricia Francis CD
Jamaica's Global Leader in Trade and Development. A woman of distinction
Patricia R. Francis a native of Jamaica, is a global leader in trade and development having headed private sector, government and international organizations involved in international trade and investment. She is the former Assistant Secretary General and Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (2006-2013), the joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization as well as the former President of Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO 1995-2006).
Patricia is currently a non-resident Senior Fellow of the Atlantic Council, Chair of the Government of Jamaica’s Trade Facilitation Task Force and sits on the Boards of Jamaica Producers Group, Portland JSX, Whiteshield Partners of Public Policy & Strategy, several family-owned companies, and the Advisory Board of IESE Graduate Business School. Patricia is also a Director of the Alligator Head Foundation and the Rose Town Foundation for the Built Environment.
In 2006 she was conferred with the Commander of the Order of Civil Merit by the Government of Spain, in 2015 was conferred with the Order of Distinction in the Class of Commander by the Government of Jamaica and in 2024 Caribbean Women in Trade’s International Woman of the Year. April 2024
Patricia served twice as President of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies and as Chairperson of the China Caribbean Business Council. In 2016 she headed the UN Secretary General’s High-Level Panel on Women’s Economic Empowerment and between 2018-2020 she was Special Advisor to the Executive Director of UN Women focused on the reform of the organisation.
Patricia has also been a member of the UK House of Lords All Parliamentary Group reviewing how Commonwealth Countries can trade out of Poverty and been a member of the Eminent Persons Group reviewing the future of the British Commonwealth and the African Caribbean and Pacific Groups post Cotonou relationship with Europe. During her tenure with these organizations Patricia gained a passion for development and wide experience in trade and investment, making her a sort after speaker, advisor, and leader.