Amidst all the global reconstruction and trade complexities, as well as trade barriers, not to mention post COVID recovery efforts, one Saint Lucian business woman and entrepreneur is seeking to break down those barriers not just for herself, but for other Saint Lucian businesses willing to follow her path.
According to Stacey Mc Vane; “The local business environment is always subject to certain vulnerabilities that exposes how fragile our business eco system (is). And so I have decided, one way to cushion some of these shocks is to seek collaboration with external businesses to tackle some of these trade complexities.”
Mc Vane decided that one of the markets she would pursue was the neighbouring French territory of Martinique, where her recent business exploration has already started bearing fruit.
Armed with the knowledge that one of the objectives of the integration of Martinique into the OECS, is the exploration and facilitation of trade and business opportunities between Martinique and the OECS, she decided to put this to the test by using her own business here in Saint Lucia, Foamcore Saint Lucia.
Foamcore Saint Lucia, deals in foam mouldings for the construction sector.
“As the agent and distributor for the Caribbean region for that product, I felt that I could tap into the Martinique market and decided to seek out prospective business partners,” Mc Vane says.
On Monday March 20, Mc Vane met with Hervé Étilé who is the President of the Martinique Association for Construction (Presdient de GEM ANCIEN and Presdient De La FFB Federation Francais du batiment Martinique).
Following an initial presentation of what Foamcore Saint Lucia has to offer and the possibilities that existed between Martinique and Saint Lucia, the two signed an agreement whereby the Martinique interest would purchase product from Foamcore Mouldings to be utilized in the construction industry in Martinique.
According to Mc Vane, she was also able to observe that there are many similarities between Saint Lucia and Martinique in the construction market. Saint Lucia, like Martinique, she says, have similar detailed architecture, including ornate designs and ornate decorative moldings.
“This is something that Foamcore Mouldings stock and we will be able to supply to our French neighbours,” she says.
The product according to her, is also able to withstand the Caribbean elements of rain, sun, mildew and sea-blast. It is completely waterproof and will not rot or crack after being exposed to the elements.
“The first tier will be to target small and medium size contractors and as we go along we will explore the demands for specific items in line with the product as the market dictates,” Mc Vane states.
She explained that she took on the challenge of the Martinique exploration not solely for her own purposes, but will also approach other private sector entities to collaborate and to lobby for what is needed to make it easier to do business not just here in Saint Lucia, but open up to markets within the neighbouring territories.
Moving forward she says, she would like to see stronger collaboration within the construction sector and contractors to make similar ventures such as her recent Martinique partnership, possible.
Mc Vane also disclosed that in the coming weeks she will also be revealing other collaborations borne out of her Martinique trip, which will benefit not only Saint Lucia but some of the neighbouring islands.
According to Stacey Mc Vane there is now a virtual space that companies can now tap into as they seek to redevelop and reform their organizations to achieve success and she is an advocate for such, not just in word but by setting the examples that others may follow.