Friday, November 13 – Premier and Minister for Trade Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE today announced the existence of a new trade policy as he delivered remarks at the 10th Buy BVI Trade Expo which got underway this morning at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex.
The new trade policy was recently approved by Cabinet and Premier O’Neal explained that it is designed to “facilitate growth and address the development and operational needs of the business sector.”
He stated that Government will be soliciting the views of industry stakeholders in the near future. “Early next year Government will embark on a series of public consultations to obtain your views on draft legislation in areas such as fair competition, franchising and consumer protection, to name a few. I very much look forward to hearing the views from you our stakeholders,” the Premier added.
Honourable O’Neal pledged Government’s ongoing commitment to developing local businesses. “Business owners the Government is your partner but we also need your help. Individually and collectively, business owners must also play your part by diversifying your product base, developing your staff and developing your businesses to ensure that you remain competitive.”
Honourable O’Neal expressed pleasure with the number of participating businesses, representing a number of sectors including services, retail, manufacturing, arts and crafts and electronics among others. “These are the small businesses which help to sustain our economy by providing jobs for our people, while helping to meet local consumer demands and we must support them,” he said.
The Premier also commended the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association for its continued commitment to the annual expo. He said, “I always support public/private sector partnerships and over the past 10-12 years the Government and the Chamber of Commerce have forged links which have yielded positive results in helping to develop and grow the Territory’s business sector.”
Chairman of the BVICCHA, Dr. Birney Harrigan in her opening remarks said the expo is in keeping with the BVICCHA’s purpose, “To actively promote a positive business and social environment for the benefit of the Territory, while sustaining the unique advantages of the BVI.”
She added, “We create a uniquely BVICCHA opportunity for buyers and sellers to come together to have a fantastic shopping experience and also an opportunity for buyers and sellers to speak to each other on a one-on-one basis about their products and services. It is about true partnership grounded in a great experience.”
Dr. Harrigan also identified Government as a third and indispensable component of this partnership. She praised the Premier in particular for recognising the critical role of Government. “That recognition is etched in the contributions of the Government to our annual trade expo. This is our 10th and I am pleased to say this year was no exception. In fact, we got a little more than last year, which helped to offset inflation.”
Speaking on behalf of the exhibitors, Mr. Tony Tuckett of Parts and Power, highlighted the need to change shopping habits in the Territory and noted the relevance of the theme, Local Allegiance over Travel Inconvenience is quite relevant. Premier O’Neal also described it as a most fitting theme and a timely reminder of the hassle sometimes associated with overseas travel to get items which are often available in the Territory.
At least two Government departments are represented at the trade expo. The Department of Agriculture and the Human Resources Department are both using the event to create greater awareness about their services.
Close to 50 exhibitors are participating in the two-day Buy BVI Trade Expo which will continue until 8 p.m. and tomorrow, it will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
British Virgin Islands News