SPEECH FOR THE MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FOR TRADE INDUSTRY_ COMMERCE

							Speech for the Minister Responsible for Trade Industry, Commerce, Consumer Affairs and Investment to Be Delivered at the Launch of the Caribbean Trade and Private Sector Development Programme and the 15th Caribbean Gift and Craft Show featuring Caribbean Fashion Rhythms on June 12, 2008.

Mr. Philip A.W. Williams, Executive Director, Caribbean Export Development Agency; Miss Veona Maloney, Manager Core Services, Caribbean Export Development Agency; Mr. Andy Delmar, Associate Director - Retail Sales Barbados, Belize and EC Islands, First Caribbean International Bank; Buyers from the different boutiques, hotels; The Media; Other Invited Guests; Staff members of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Commerce, Industry, Consumer Affairs and Investment, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good Evening.

I wish to apologize for the absence of the Minister who is engaged in the affairs of Cabinet at this time.

That said, The Ministry of Trade, Industry, Commerce, Consumer Affairs and Investment is pleased to be associated with this event, the launch of two (2) programs which is expected to reap significant benefits to our micro, small and medium enterprises.

Over the years, local artisans have benefited immensely through their participation in the Caribbean Gift and Craft Show (CGCS). On Average, about ten (10) local crafters and fashion designers take part in this prestigious event. This year, fifteen (15) crafters and fashion designers have registered to take part in the show which will be held in Barbados from October 2-5, 2008.

The CGCS has positively impacted the lives and businesses of our artisans, and have contributed to the development of the Arts, Craft and Garment Sectors. Some of the benefits of the show are: Backward linkages with agricultural and commercial sectors through the purchase of raw materials;    Opportunities to network with suppliers and other exhibitors; Innovation and expansion of product lines; Export opportunities and strategic alliances with exhibitors from the other Islands;    Increased revenue and business expansion for some artisans; Improvement in the packaging and labeling of products; Targeted training programs in areas such as marketing, packaging, image enhancement, and product development;  Promotion of Caribbean Unity and Culture.

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Affirmation and motivation for exhibitors through awards.

Every program justifies its continuity through identifiable successes. Some of the local enterprises who have realized such success are:  ZAKA

*** Winner “Best Booth Display” (CGCS1997) Barbados, West Indies
 SNAKE IN THE GRASS

*** Winner “Most Innovative Product” (in the 1990’s)
 NATMED LTD.

*** Runner up “Outstanding Creative Packaging” (CGCS2007) Curacao , Netherlands Antilles *** Runner up “Best Booth Display” (CGCS2002) Grenada, West Indies *** Winner “Best Product Line” (CGCS2001) Barbados, West Indies
 FROOTSY FOODS LTD.

*** Winner “Outstanding Creative Packaging” (CGCS2004) Barbados, West Indies

The Ministry is proud to announce that as a result of the marketing opportunities provided through this event some of our Artisans have successfully penetrated both regional and international markets for their products. Some of the major exporting markets and the Artisans who supply them are: Natmed Ltd. - exporting to the UK, St. Thomas, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Bahamas, St. Kitts, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Puerto Rico and Curacao   Frootsy Foods Ltd. - Puerto Rico and Tortola Zaka – Norway, Spain, USA, Tortola, Antigua, Barbados, Aruba and Curacao   Livity Art Studio – Tortola and Antigua Kuumba – Texas, England, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Curacao  Caribbean Perfumes – Barbados, St. Kitts, Curacao, Grenada, Antigua and St. Thomas The Government of Saint Lucia is committed to the long term viability of the sector and will continue to provide assistance to exhibitors to attend this annual event. The Ministry of Trade, Industry, Commerce, Consumer Affairs and Investment will continue to provide support under its Market and Product Development Programme to artisans to take part in the annual CGCS and

technical assistance such as training, market and product development through its Small Enterprise Development Unit (SEDU).

Over the last three (3) years the Office of Private Sector Relations (OPSR) has also supported Artisans to attend the CGCS under its Private Sector Development Programme. This included funding the cost of booth rentals, booth décor, promotional literature, and freight and airline tickets.

The OPSR has pledged to continue to support the CGCS show provided the expected benefits such as the marketing and promotion of indigenous handcrafted products and gift items to regional and international buyers continue to translate into increased exports; increased of employment and income for artisans, the sustainability of the Arts, Craft and Garment sectors and the preservation of cultural traditions.

The introduction of Phase two (2) of the Caribbean Trade and Private Sector Development Programme will enhance the integration process of the Cariforum States into the world economy, thereby facilitating regional economic growth and the alleviation of poverty by remaining focused on the international

competitiveness of the private sector.

In light of the global challenges such as rising prices and deteriorating financial markets, this program provides a greater opportunity for survival of our SME’s through the provision of financial assistance to service providers and manufacturers who are presently exporting or are export ready. It will also provide training and technical assistance which will enable enterprises to capitalize on opportunities in the domestic, regional and international market.

The Government of St. Lucia welcomes this initiative and encourages members of the private sector take advantage of the opportunity presented. I take this opportunity to encourage Caribbean Export to provide technical assistance in the area of Intellectual Property Rights to Business Support Organizations (BSO’s ), Artisans and Designers, especially since the CGCS has a special focus on design.

Let me end by congratulating our artisans for taking advantage of the opportunities offered through the CGCS and encourage them to continue to be innovative, improve their craft and capture the essence of the region in their products. I THANK YOU