Government helping businesses make mark in global markets

Minister Estwick outlined the proposals during the Barbados Investment and Development Corporation's workshop.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, March 11, 2010 – The Barbados government has announced a number of financial and technical initiatives that would allow scores of local business persons to cement their presence in untapped international markets.

Minister of Economic Affairs, Empowerment, Innovation, Trade, Industry and Commerce, Dr David Estwick, noted that the global marketplace represented a significant opportunity for Barbadian businesses to expose their goods.

He said government would therefore strengthen the Foreign Trade Division to undertake greater and more in-depth research and development work, to improve the country’s international trade competitiveness.

Minister Estwick also indicated that the administration was involved in the regional effort to design and negotiate the requisite trade accords between the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and other hemispheric groups.  

He disclosed that plans were in train to "orient Barbados' overseas offices, to effect the promotion of its export trade in goods and services".

Minister Estwick outlined the proposals during the Barbados Investment and Development Corporation's workshop entitled: The Economic Partnership Agreement and Other Trade Agreements: What are Some of the Benefits for Barbadian Manufacturers and Exporters?