Approximately 42 participants from various public and private sector business entities in St. Kitts and Nevis attended a one-day Business Symposium on March 01, 2023, at the CUNA Conference Center geared towards equipping entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and resources needed to enhance their business supply chains and increase competitiveness.

The Symposium, which was held under the theme: “Opportunities for Business Growth and Better Supply Chain Management,” was organized by the Department of Industry and Commerce, under the umbrella of the Ministry of International Trade, Industry, Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Permanent Secretary, Jasemin Weekes welcomed participants and noted that the Symposium was quite timely.

“This timely endeavour demonstrates the Ministry of International Trade, Industry, Commerce and Consumer Affairs and by extension the government’s commitment and deliberate response in supporting our businesses that are operating in a very unfair and hostile trading environment, particularly at this time,” said Permanent Secretary Weekes.

Mrs. Weekes referred to the World Trade Organization’s Facilitation Agreement and Implementation which the Ministry of Trade oversees.

“This Agreement provides the impetus, guidance and the necessary tools to make trade easier. In fact, trade facilitation underpins global supply chains, reducing the time and cost of moving goods around the world and promoting more inclusive trade,” she said. “For us at the Ministry of International Trade, reducing trade cost is particularly important for our micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.  “While there have been some incremental advances in the implementation of this Trade Facilitation Agreement at the national level, the Ministry, through its traditional trade National Trade Facility Committee, remains eager and optimistic to realize an accelerated, measurable and tangible impact on this Agreement on the economy.” added the Permanent Secretary.

The Business Symposium addressed topics such as Sustainable Procurement to Enhance Competitiveness, Shipping Options and Challenges, and Landing Procedures and Processes.