Intra-regional and international trade potential has been strengthened following a recent OECS Trade Mission held in St. Lucia, Martinique and Dominica from April 24-28th 2017.
Several Key areas of regional and international trade were discussed, such as:
- International Market Opportunities;
- Certification;
- Transportation;
- Marketing;
- Research and Development;
- Production;
- Technology (Agro Processing);
- Monitoring and Control (Phytosanitary); and
- ICT Platforms
The OECS Trade delegation met with key stakeholders in St. Lucia, Martinique and Dominica to discuss existing market conditions and each island’s particular strengths and weaknesses as it relates to the production, and preparation for export, of agricultural produce.
Minister Caesar and the team visited the Martinique Center for Agricultural and Alimentary Research and Development (PARM), which allowed for a better understanding of the assistance that this organisation provides to companies in Research and Development as well as various technical components such as labelling and sanitary policies or physico-chemical analysis.
Mr. Vincent Duville, Director of the Cabinet of President Alfred Marie-Jeanne, said trade among Caribbean islands is a major opportunity.
Successful meetings were also held in St. Lucia and Dominica where banana and dasheen production stood out as areas for production expansion respectively.
Currently, trade throughout the region is facilitated by a maritime transportation system including vessels MV Sea Rambler, the MVC American Liberty and the Iron Cat.
