BARBADOS – A combination of significant support for business development, a well developed Small Business Association (SBA), and an active number of female entrepreneurs should make the possibility of enhanced trade with Canada attractive to Barbados.
This view was expressed today by Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Senator Maxine McClean, during a courtesy call from Canada’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Sports, Helena Guergis at Government Headquarters.
They discussed the possibility of strengthening commercial ties between Barbados and Canada, especially for female entrepreneurs. Ms. Guergis cited human resource management, manufacturing and information technology as some of the areas that could be explored.
Noting that Canada was “re-engaging with the Americas”, the Secretary of State said that Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper was also committed to discussing development issues and was hoping to host a CARICOM Summit in Canada next year.
During her three-day visit to Barbados which ends today, Ms. Guergis met with several government officials, participated in a conference with trade delegates and celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service in the Caribbean.
