The Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT) today unveils the Doing Business Handbook for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, the latest publication in the series of handbooks aimed at facilitating and enhancing trade relations between the UK and important global markets.
The new handbook is focused on the vibrant markets of Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean and is endorsed by senior figures from government and the private sector. The guide offers an indispensable resource for businesses seeking to navigate the intricacies of these dynamic markets.
The High Commissioner to Barbados and Eastern Caribbean, His Excellency Scott Furssedonn-Wood, highlighted the strong partnership between the UK and the region.
“The UK and Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean have a strong partnership based on shared values and trust,” he remarked. He emphasised the guide's significance as "an invaluable asset for companies seeking to engage in business activities within the region”.
'Useful guide'
Marco Forgione, director general of IOE&IT, said the handbook offered a useful guide to an exciting region:
“There are many sectors and business who will potentially benefit from this guide to doing business in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. This is part of our commitment to encourage more firms to trade internationally.
“This is vital to the UK economy because all the evidence shows that firms trading overseas are more resilient, more profitable, grow faster and employ more people.”
D’Jamila Ward, regional director of the Commonwealth Caribbean at the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and at the British High Commission, also endorsed the handbook:
“The publication of this Doing Business Handbook for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean is a welcome complement to the work DBT is doing to deepen and widen the trading relationship between the UK and the Caribbean."
Ward also emphasised the guide’s accessibility and information, praising its potential to assist UK firms in avoiding common pitfalls and fostering successful trade relationships.
Services in the Caribbean
Giles A M Carmichael, partner at Chancery Chambers, highlighted the pivotal role of legal services in facilitating trade and investment.
In addition to the endorsements from key governmental and legal figures, the IOE&IT is grateful for the support and partnership of other esteemed organizations, including KPMG Barbados, Invest St Lucia, Export Barbados, and The Caribbean Export Development Agency. These partnerships underscore the collaborative effort to promote trade and investment opportunities in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.
Endorsements
Endorsements for the Doing Business Handbook for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean:
The High Commissioner to Barbados and Eastern Caribbean, His Excellency Scott Furssedonn-Wood:
“I am delighted to support IOE&IT in this inaugural publication of their Doing Business Handbook for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. The UK and Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean have a strong partnership based on shared values and trust.
"British expertise is viewed favourably in the region across a range of sectors and UK firms are already exporting to the region, demonstrating the UK’s strong capability in areas of priority for the region. I am sure this guide will be an invaluable asset to any company seeking to do business here. I want to commend IOE&IT for its commitment to fostering this important business relationship.”
D’Jamila Ward, regional director for Commonwealth Caribbean, DBT, British High Commission:
“The publication of this Doing Business Handbook for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean is a welcome complement to the work DBT is doing to deepen and widen the trading relationship between the UK and the Caribbean.
"This is a great tool for UK firms seeking to navigate the intricacies of the markets of Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. The information is accessible and nuanced, able to help UK firms avoid any pitfalls they may encounter. I applaud IOE&IT for its steadfast commitment to forging business relationships through global trade and I look forward to future collaborations.”
Dhwani Srivastava, chief executive officer, International Merchant Bank Limited:
“It is a pleasure for International Merchant Bank to work with IOE&IT, which has been open minded, collaborative and genuinely interested in hearing and sharing insights applicable to the bank’s vision. We have already seen positive feedback and excitement from colleagues and clients who have engaged with the handbook.”
Giles Carmichael, partner, Chancery Chambers:
“Chancery Chambers is pleased to be working with IOE&IT and the British government’s Department for Business and Trade. As the foremost legal services provider in the region, we look forward to supporting more UK companies looking to trade and invest in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean nations over the coming year.”
For media inquiries, review copies, or interview requests, please contact thomas.lane@export.org.uk.