The Ministry of Financial Services has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation. The MOU is for cooperation in the establishment of a Trade Information Services (TIS) Desk and Electronic Portal. The event was held on Monday, February 20, 2017 at the Ministry of Financial Services.
Minister of Financial Services and Local Government, the Hon. Hope Strachan said that the ‘concept’ of a Trade Portal is to create a “one-stop-shop” to access important relevant and current national, regional and international trade information.
“The establishment of a Trade Portal is part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to diversify the Bahamian economy by expanding trade with regional, hemispheric and international trading partners and at the same time improve the ease of doing business with The Bahamas,” said Minister Strachan.
“A Trade Portal can serve as an important business facilitation tool by reducing the cost and time required to access trade information, and in turn improve the ease of doing business in The Bahamas and we expect that this Portal will do just that,” said Minister Strachan.
She said that both parties recognize the importance of stimulating private sector development by supporting local exporters and importers with market intelligence and information to facilitate opportunities for trade and access to international markets made possible with the signing of international trade agreements.
“The Parties also believe that the establishment of a Trade Portal is critical and will give businesses the technical support needed to access international markets made available through those negotiated international trade agreements,” she said.
In October 2016 after an international bidding process, the International Trade Centre (a specialized joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations) was retained to provide the services to design and develop a Trade Portal for The Bahamas. Minister Strachan said that the portal is ‘well on its way to becoming a reality’ and should be launched in a few months.
She said that a critical feature of the Trade Portal is the Exporter Directory of Bahamian exporters and potential exporters, which is being compiled and which is critical to businesses seeking to attract potential international buyers. Currently, she said that the use of the Portal and registering on the Exporter Directory is free to all businesses in the country.
Chief Executive Officer of the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employer’s Confederation (BCCEC) Edison Sumner said that that the BCCEC is pleased to partner with the Ministry.
“The development of the portal is a significant achievement towards diversifying the economy and expanding trade with regional, hemispheric and international trading partners,” said Mr. Sumner.
Also delivering remarks was Project Manager, of the Bahamas Trade Portal International Trade Centre (ITC), Martin Lopez, who said that the portal will not just ‘merely’ be a website. It would serve as a ‘gateway’ to the world for Bahamian exporters and persons who may wish to do business in the Bahamas.
Vice-Chairman of the BCCEC, Michael Maura, who was also in attendance, said the portal will also serve as an educational tool and would benefit local businesses that offer goods and services to the local market.
The Ministry of Financial Services signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation for cooperation in the establishment of a Trade Information Services (TIS) Desk and Electronic Portal. Pictured seated and signing the MOU: Michael Maura, Vice-Chairman of the BCCEC and Minister of Financial Services, the Hon. Hope Strachan. Also pictured: CEO/BCCEC Edison Sumner (left); Legal Advisor/Acting Director of Trade & Industry, Ministry of Financial Services, Keva Bain (right); Project Manager, Bahamas Trade Portal, ITC, Martin Lopez; and Permanent Secretary, Sherrylee Smith. (BIS Photo/Derek Smith)
By Betty Vedrine
Bahamas Information Services
