April 12, 2022
The Caribbean Export Development Agency remains committed to engaging with its stakeholders and providing targeted support to meet the needs of the private sector.
To this end, Services Specialist, Allyson Francis, led a Caribbean Export team to engage with various stakeholders, learn more about their specific needs and outline available initiatives and programmes.
The Honourable Michael Halkitis, Minister of Economic Affairs met with the Caribbean Export team and engaged in fruitful, in-depth discussions which focused on the cultural and creative sectors and addressed the potential opportunities for digitizing Bahamian fashion as a viable avenue for export.
During the March 30 meeting, the Minister also expressed interest in collaborating in the priority areas of energy management, agritech, food security and the blue economy.
Discussions were also held with the Director of Culture on potential fashion initiatives, and Business Support Organizations including the Small Business Development Center and the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation to discuss support for the private sector.
Other highlights of the visit included the 2- day Market Intelligence workshop which had over 30 registrants, the Business of Music Closing Ceremony which was attended by the Minister of Culture, Honourable Mario K Bowleg and Honourable Michael Halkitis, Minister of Economic Affairs and several visits to the Agency’s grant beneficiaries (DSGP and TAP) including D’vanya’s Manufacturing, Limeade Bahamas and Pulpy Frozen Desserts.
Ms Francis said of the week-long mission, March 28- April 1 2022, “It has been great listening to all of our stakeholders and discussing areas of focused support. I’m excited that they will coordinate and collaborate to develop a cohesive plan that will create vital export opportunities for the Bahamian private sector.”
The mission team, which was led by Services Specialist, Allyson Francis, included: Tonya Cummins- Programme Advisor- Grants, Mikaela Stoute- Research Officer and Deidre Brathwaite- Digital and Social Media Officer.