SVG to set up a National Coalition of Service Associations

A move is being made to establish a National Coalition of Service Associations in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, in conformity with an initiative of the Caribbean Community – CARICOM.{{more}}

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Commerce and Trade, in collaboration with the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, will host a CARICOM team that will make a presentation to members of local service organisations next week, with a view to getting the Coalition off the ground. Representatives of the National Coalitions of Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago will also make presentations.

The aim of National Coalitions of Service Industries in CARICOM member states is to develop and diversify the national service sectors and to prepare service providers to manage the challenges and opportunities in the expanding global market. Some member states are in the implementation stage of their national coalition. It is envisioned that these will trigger the formation of a Regional Coalition of Service Industries.

The National Coalition of Service Industries in St. Vincent and the Grenadines will, among other things, promote and further develop the competiveness of the service sector; educate service providers on relevant aspects of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, World Trade Organisation and other regional and international agreements and policies that can affect their trade; and promote export activities. Service providers which have not yet formed themselves into an Association are being urged to do so.

The Medical Association, the Association of Architects and Engineers, Nurses and Bar Association are expected to be among the organisations attending next week’s presentation.

It takes place on Monday (April 28th) at 9.00 a.m. at the Conference Room of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce.