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Minister of State in the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Patrick Todd??

Minister of State in the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Patrick Todd, has made a renewed call for a closer relationship between Government and the private sector, to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), by 2015.

He made this appeal today, while addressing a Poverty Alleviation seminar at the Barbados Investment and Development Corporation’s Small Business Development Centre, Fontabelle, St. Michael.

Emphasising the importance of entrepreneurship to the island’s economic development, Mr. Todd stated: "Government views entrepreneurship as critical in the mobilisation of human resources into productive activity, which would lead to the reduction of poverty."

Given this expectation, he urged the entrepreneurs to implement innovative strategies in their operations to increase output. "It is known that innovation and entrepreneurship are critical to the competitive nature of a country and the rate at which resources are utilised to propel its development.?? So, a culture, or attitude towards learning and experimentation, is the catalyst for the most innovative societies in the world." the Minister of State declared.

He further stated: "…with the right mix of continuous education, research and development, financing and science and technology policies, innovation and entrepreneurial activity can flourish."

Meanwhile, Government’s Advisor on Poverty Eradication, Undene Whittaker, said the seminar, which brought together a diverse group of City residents, was an opportunity for them to thrash out their concerns.

She also alluded to the importance of signing on to the MDGs. "What we are doing is to ensure that those governments, who have signed on to the MDGs, are working towards their achievement," Ms. Whittaker stressed.

The Stand Against Poverty Campaign, held in conjunction with the Office of the Advisor on Poverty Alleviation and the United Nations Development Programme, continues tomorrow, September 18, with a Community Expo in Jubilee Gardens, The City, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.?? The activities will climax on Sunday, September 19, with a rally in Independence Square from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.??

Members of youth organisations, the disabled community, the Barbados Association of Retailers, Vendors and Entrepreneurs and the Salvation Army, are expected to make presentations at this event.??jwilson@barbados.gov.bb

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