Ms. Daniel’s election took place during the Agency’s 46th Meeting of the Board of Directors, alongside the appointment of Mr. Ishmael Quiroz, Executive Director of the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), as Deputy Chairman.
The appointments come as Caribbean Export celebrates its 30th anniversary of supporting Caribbean enterprise, trade and investment.
This leadership transition marks a pivotal milestone in the Agency’s continued service to the Caribbean region.
An economist, Sunita Daniel has led Export Saint Lucia for eight years, working with a team of trade professionals to increase the value and volume of Saint Lucian exports. Her professional experience also includes serving as Saint Lucia’s Chief Planning Officer for Agriculture and as Programme Liaison Officer to the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. Her expertise spans policy and planning, trade facilitation, agricultural and business development, and resource mobilization.
Commenting on her election, Daniel expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in her by regional colleagues and outlined her vision for advancing Caribbean enterprise; “I am honoured by the confidence reposed in me by my regional compatriots through their selection of me to serve as the Chairperson of the Caribbean Export Development Agency.”
“I welcome the opportunity and challenge with optimism, and a vision to elevate Caribbean talent, creativity and entrepreneurship to higher levels of prosperity, at home and abroad. Through innovation and regional collaboration, Caribbean enterprises will help shape global trade and not merely participate in it. We stand with confidence, boldly declaring that the Caribbean is open for business, investment and hospitality.”
As Chairperson, Ms. Sunita Daniel will contribute to the Agency’s strategic oversight, drawing on her experience in trade facilitation, policy and business development to help advance its regional mandate. Caribbean Export Executive Director Dr. Damie Sinanan welcomed the appointments, highlighting the value of their experience to the Agency’s work with Caribbean businesses.
Deputy Chairman Ishmael Quiroz brings more than 20 years of public service experience, with expertise in private-sector development, investment promotion and business climate reform in Belize. He affirmed BELTRAIDE’s commitment to the role and to advancing Caribbean exports.
Through its work, Caribbean Export continues to foster cooperation among Caribbean governments, development partners and the private sector in advancing the region’s trade and investment priorities.