Local businesses seeking ways to boost trade in SVG

The issues related to the enabling environment for trade and business in St. Vincent and the Grenadines were examined and discussed at a National Consultation Workshop on Trade and Business Facilitation which ended on Friday at Grenadine House in Kingstown.{{more}}

The main objective of the Workshop was to examine and discuss ways of improving the enabling environment for trade and business in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the OECS in general. Presentations were made by representatives of the various Government Ministries, Departments and Statutory Bodies whose activities impact on the trade and business environment in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Specific attention was given to activities and procedures in the delivery of services in St. Vincent and the Grenadines that will enhance the business and trading environment.

Recent assessments of the trade and business environment in St. Vincent and the Grenadines by the World Bank indicated that the environment for doing business was not favorable, and there was need for urgent improvement in several areas which, if not addressed, can impact negatively on all aspects of business and trade. These issues need urgent attention in order to improve the country’s overall standing in the global “Doing Business” environment.

The Workshop was organized by the OECS Export Development Unit (OECS-EDU), in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Hub and Spokes Project, the National Investment Promotions Inc. (NIPI), and The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Commerce and Trade.

Participants at the Consultation were drawn from the private Sector, including producers, exporters, brokers, importers, traders and distributors, and Labor Unions, as well as the public sector.