B.V.I. Thursday, September 17 – Government is encouraging designers in the Territory to be part of a local design network soon to be established here as part of a wider initiative of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

A meeting is being planned for November 9, 2009 when officials of the OECS Export Development Unit will visit the Territory to discuss the initiative with local designers.

The Department of Trade and Consumer Affairs is undertaking local coordination of the meeting and establishment of the design network, which will be open to designers from a variety of disciplines including product, industrial, interior, fashion, jewellery, graphic and packaging, website and architecture among others.

Director Ms. Lizette George is encouraging all designers in the Territory to be part of this worthwhile initiative.

Ms. George said, “I think designers should welcome the opportunity to be part of this initiative. It is basically about increasing the market access for designers throughout the Caribbean and of course the global arena, while also helping to strengthen their network ability in terms of networking with other designers both locally and regionally. Through that network they would also be able to share knowledge and ultimately improve their services.”

Reiterating comments she made when the department first encouraged designers to join the network back in April, Ms. George said, “In addition to gaining market access to increase their marketing potential, the other benefits of the network will include product development opportunities for inclusion in Onsite Caribbean which is a collection of regionally produced craft items; as well as the establishment of design nodes where there are no design centres.”

Designers who are interested should contact the Department of Trade and Consumer Affairs at 494-2701 ext 2008. The department is located on the second floor of the Sebastian Building on Admin Drive, opposite Banco Popular.

The initiative of the OECS Export Development Unit in collaboration with Caribbean Export envisions the establishment of national design networks in all OECS member states as part of efforts to enhance the creation of high-end products in the OECS sub-region.

The Department of Trade and Consumer Affairs is mandated to facilitate the development and growth of the BVI business environment, increase competitiveness and generate higher levels of sustainable growth and productivity.