BRITISH CARIBBEAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SAINT LUCIA MEETS SAINT LUCIA GOVERNMENT LEADERS

The leadership of the British Caribbean Chamber of Commerce in Saint Lucia have continued their programme of meetings to mark the establishment of the new Chamber with a series of courtesy calls on Government and business leaders in Saint Lucia, culminating in an hour-long discussion with Prime Minister, The Honourable Dr Kenny Anthony at the Official Residence in Vigie.

Dr Ian Kelly, Chief Executive and Pauline Wade, Deputy CEO, from the British Chamber of Commerce in the UK, together with John Kennedy, President of the BCCC Saint Lucia and the Saint Lucia Country Manager Randy Cato held detailed discussions with key policy makers including The Honourable Emma Hyppolyte, Minister of Commerce, Business Development, Investment and Consumer Affairs.

In addition, detailed discussions took place between the delegation and Mr McHale Andrew, CEO of Invest Saint Lucia, where information exchange, know-how and best practice were topics under discussion with the purpose of allowing the Chamber to produce an early template on access to market and ease of doing business.

During discussions with The Honourable Emma Hyppolyte, Dr Ian Kelly raised the prospects of including Saint Lucian participants in future cultural events in the United Kingdom as a way of raising awareness of brand Saint Lucia. It was agreed that some specific opportunities would be explored between the parties as well as the more traditional direct commercial aspects of the BCCC Saint Lucia’s work.

Discussions with The Honourable Dr Kenny Anthony addressed the means of enhancing and building upon the historic relationship between the United Kingdom and Saint Lucia as a route to future trade and investment. The Prime Minister underscored the message that Saint Lucia was open for business, having passed through a period of economic challenge, presented by the effects of global recession. The Prime Minister gave the delegation an upbeat report on signs of economic growth and potential, while the BCCC Saint Lucia Chamber members expressed their optimism at increasing investment trends out of the UK. In particular, the meeting addressed the opportunities for Agro-Commerce and stimulating and reviving the under-utilised agricultural sector.

During discussions with The Honourable Dr Kenny Anthony, climate change and alternative energy were topics of discussion and the opportunities that arose out of this sector, for investment and energy security, were recognised as an area for potential collaboration.

The Prime Minister complimented the Chamber on appointing a Country Manager who was already now at his desk and active.