THE Saint Lucia Trade Export Promotion Agency (TEPA), has embarked on a business trade mission to OECS member states.
The first leg of the mission targeted the islands of Antigua and Dominica during the week of June 8 – 12. The purpose of the mission is to raise the awareness of Saint Lucia as a source of world class products, services and technologies.
This mission tries to capitalize on and strengthen trade opportunities between member states as outlined in Treaty of Basseterre.
The objectives of the business trade mission include: obtaining a comprehensive understanding of trade and export/import procedures in the respective OECS member states; meeting with potential business partners and alliances in member states to obtain first hand information; exploring business opportunities with potential importers and distributors; creating an avenue to improve trade export of products and services; and negotiating joint ventures and partnerships to increase exports between Dominica and Saint Lucia.
Five participating Saint Lucian exporters represented a range of sectors including health and wellness, construction, architecture, light manufacturing and professional services/business solutions.
TEPA works with companies to grow export sales. Central to TEPA’s 2015/16 strategy are targeted trade missions and international events which are invaluable in opening doors and making high-level introductions for exporters, thereby enabling them to exploit opportunities that exist in global markets.(GIS)