Monday, June 19, 2006

Dwene Ebanks Investor Services Officer	Dax Basdeo Executive Director

The Cayman Islands Investment Bureau (CIIB) is taking steps to find ways to help local craftsmen to export locally made products. Investor Services Officer Dwene Ebanks, attended the inaugural Caribbean-American Business Expo and Conference as part of a fact-finding mission for such export opportunities held in Orlando, Florida in early June. Mr Ebanks said the expo focused on export requirements to the US and internationally.

"Predominantly this conference dealt with the nuts and bolts of exporting to the US and identify common concerns from Caribbean countries," said Mr Ebanks.

"The conference provided an opportunity for us to better understand the intricacies of exporting to the US and should help us to facilitate bringing the Cayman Islands in line with internationally accepted standards and codes for exporting goods."

He explained that the Investment Bureau will pass on the relevant information to local entrepreneurs and business people. The Investment Bureau also expects to have a larger presence the following year.

The Conference has presentations from a cross-section of US and Caribbean customs officials, trade and investment financing experts and representatives, and from the US and Caribbean Food and Drug Administrations.

A representative also spoke from the office of Florida's Governor, Jeb Bush. The keynote address for the opening ceremony was delivered by the President of the Republic of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo. The ceremony's closing address was delivered by the Prime Minister of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Perry Christie.

Organisers said the goal of the conference was to facilitate the development of stronger business relationships between Florida and the Caribbean region.

The Executive Director of the Investment Bureau, Dax Basdeo, stated the Expo and Conference may give Caymanian crafters a platform to demonstrate and display their products to many suppliers and customers at once.

"We are currently looking to develop resources for small businesses in this market and to provide direct support for them, such as advising and counselling," noted Mr Basdeo.

He added the Investment Bureau is now seeking input from all such entrepreneurs in this sector who have an interest in developing their export potential.

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