APR 24

The business community in Grenada were last Thursday presented with first hand information as to the type of products and services they can source from their associates in the south American nation of Venezuela for their own establishments.

Over one hundred persons from seventy four companies from the Venezuelan Caribbean Chamber of Commerce (VCCC) were in Grenada last week as part of trade exposition.

Facilitated by the local embassy, the exhibition took place aboard the Venezuelan Naval Vessel Ocamar which was docked outside the Cruise Ship Terminal on Melville Street.

A wide range of items were showcased during the four days such as agriculture, livestock and dairy products, arts and crafts, ceramics, musical instruments, natural and artificial flowers, footwear, medical equipment, security systems and safety equipment among other items.

The Venezuelans say that one of the objectives behind their visit was to obtain the relevant information on Caribbean markets. They are of the view that this will create a regional international supply and demand database with the purpose of opening new markets niches for Venezuelan-Caribbean high technology products with international acceptance.

They are also looking to support exporters with professional consultancy on air, ocean and land transportation for national and international commercialisation of products.

The business officials say they want to offer their local counterparts competitive advantages with discounts on freights, charter quotas as well as facilitating customs and port services. They outlined that their intentions are to promote international expositions and fairs between the Venezuelan and Caribbean Markets for an efficient trade.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Adrian Hayes speaking at a welcoming ceremony on board the ship last Thursday told the Venezuelans that Grenada hopes to conduct a similar exercise in their country in the future.

He encourage the local private sector to consider the idea and he expressed the hope that the cordial relationship existing between the two countries will grow from strength to strength.

Besides Grenada exhibitions will be held in Barbados, St. Lucia, Martinique, Dominica, Guadelope, Antigua, Jamaica and Curaco as well as Colombia.