CUBA and St Lucia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cement the ongoing relationship between their respective trade agencies and expand trade between the two countries.
Emma Hippolyte, Minister of Commerce Business Development, Investment and Consumer Affairs and Roberto Verrier, Director of the Centro de Promocion del Comercio Exterior y la Inversion Extranjera (CEPEC) signed the Memorandum during the recently held Cuba-Caribbean Business Forum.
“The Government of Saint Lucia hopes that this relationship will also deepen existing bi-lateral relations and examined future trade opportunities to be pursued between St. Lucia and Cuba.” says Minister Hippolyte.
The signing of this MOU was witnessed by a delegation of six exporters who participated in the Cuba-Caribbean Business Forum which was held from July 15 to 17 namely, Caribbean Awnings Production Co. Ltd; Harris Paints St. Lucia Ltd; Viking Traders Ltd; Natmed Ltd (Caribbean Blue Trademark Products); Chemical Manufacturing and Investments Co. Ltd. and Baron Foods (St. Lucia) Ltd.
The Forum was hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of Cuba and the authorities of the Government of Santiago de Cuba to mark the 500th Anniversary of the City of Santiago de Cuba.
TEPA continues to work arduously to introduce Saint Lucian products in a systematic and structured manner into Cuba and this involves working closely with Dr. Charles Isaac, Saint Lucia’s Ambassador to Cuba and Jorge Francisco Soberon Luis, Cuba’s Ambassador to Saint Lucia.
Participation in this forum allowed TEPA the opportunity to present a selection of high quality Saint Lucian products to the Cuban market for potential export opportunities
The Saint Lucia National Trade Export Promotion Agency, TEPA, spearheads the National Export Agenda. Its programmes are geared towards increasing the volume and value of Saint Lucia’s exports. It provides information, counsel and services to exporters looking to expand into emerging markets.