There has been some improvement in relation to the export of locally-made products to CARICOM countries, and it is hoped that this development will continue well into the future.
That’s according to Executive Director of the Barbados Manufacturers’ Association (BMA), Bobbi McKay. She noted that there have been concerns over the years about trade between Barbados and some countries within CARICOM because of higher rates of duty sometimes being applied to Barbadian goods, but she noted that it is “not as much of a problem” as it was before.
“The other Caribbean countries also want to export to us, so there is more of an openness, realising that we need to work together and not against each other,” she noted in an interview with The Barbados Advocate.
Her comments came as she said that with support from the Barbados Investment and Development Corporation, which has been conducting trade missions and exploratory visits to several existing and potential markets, there has been a greater thrust to export Barbadian products and the sector has been reaping success. In fact, the BMA head said quite a lot of local manufacturers in addition to looking at the traditional export markets, have been showing interest in the idea of exporting to the wider Caribbean, with markets such as Cuba looking promising.
However, McKay said some remain wary of exporting in general, concerned that they will not be paid for their products. She explained while the situation is not widespread, there have been instances where products have been exported and payments have not been received.
“One of the challenges is that they export to a company and are not paid. That’s usually because the level of administration and professionalism needed are not always there. People may mean well and say they are going to import the products, then they get a shipment and do not use the money to pay for it… And it doesn’t matter the size of the company, I’ve seen some of the larger companies get really, really bent over on sending a container out and not always being paid for it,” she indicated.
McKay said while it is a concern, they are committed to not letting it hinder export efforts, as the potential is there to grow local manufacturing firms and earn revenue. To that end, she said they are looking to see what measures can be put in place to ensure payments are received. (JRT)
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