BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE St. Kitts-Nevis Coalition of Service Industries (CSI) has launched a massive membership drive targeting interested service providers to register themselves as part of the organization and be able to access the multiplicity of benefits.
The week-long drive, which began last Friday (Mar. 13), intends to target service providers interested in expanding their businesses to establish outlets in neighbouring islands or interested in exporting their goods and services. The CSI aims to provide service providers with knowledge of export opportunities and develop export programmes and promotional activities through collaborative efforts with local, regional and international market stakeholders.
Speaking exclusively with SKNVibes, CSI President Alfred Harley encouraged businesses to register with the Coalition as it serves to partner with the public sector in the development of the services sector and to educate service providers on relevant government policies that can assist them.
Harley informed that the body has formulated a work plan for 2009 with a number of activities and projects geared toward enhancing the opportunities and capabilities of local service providers to supply more quality-based services to a wider scope of persons.
“The CSI was primarily formed to facilitate trade within CARICOM. For individuals who have a local service and are looking to expand to serve other countries, there are certain criteria they would have to meet. The Coalition makes it seamless to trade in neighbouring islands as it represents the service providers and makes the necessary connections for them. This would allow individuals to expand their service-base exponentially throughout the region without doing the work by themselves.
“Service providers cannot simply set up shop in another man’s island without the proper authorization and certification. So the CSI serves to provide information, training and helps to provide certification.
“Especially with the current economic downturn, many businesses are looking to alternate markets to have a broader section of customers, something every business wants. So, becoming a member during this economic climate seems like the ideal thing to do as the CSI does all the preparation and organization to facilitate such trade.”
The CSI was established in mid November of 2008 to assist in organizing individual service providers into professional/trade associations so as to ensure that the highest industry standards are met. It also educates and prepares service providers for the challenges and opportunities under CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), the CARIFORUM/European Union (EU) Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS).
Registration forms for the SKNCSI can be obtained from the Ministry of International Trade, Central Street and the Chippie Office, Cayon Street, St. Kitts or Ministry of Trade, Government Road and Chippie Office, Keystone Complex in Nevis.
