Minister of Economic Affairs, Innovation, Trade, Industry and Commerce, Dr. David Estwick, chatting with??Canadian High Commissioner, Ruth Archibald, during a courtesy call at the Ministry.
The ongoing Canada/CARICOM negotiations, exploring the economic interests of both countries, avenues for the creation of additional industries and airlift, were among the topics discussed when Canadian High Commissioner, Ruth Archibald, paid a courtesy call on Minister of Economic Affairs, Innovation, Trade, Industry and Commerce, Dr. David Estwick.
During today’s meeting, which was held at the Division of Trade, Industry and Commerce, High Commissioner Archibald commended Government for maintaining strong economic ties with Canada for more than four decades.
They also spoke about the economic crisis and the mechanisms each country had implemented to deal with its socio-economic impact on the various sectors.
Regarding the Canada/CARICOM talks, the High Commissioner asked for clarification about the region’s definition of development and what they hoped would be achieved from the dialogue.
Dr. Estwick explained: "We know exactly what it is that we want and all we need … is to gain access, but sometimes this does not work.?? For instance, we have been having challenges with certain exports … but I think that the export of animal products has become very important for us.
"We recognise that there are certain institutional elements that we need to bring together which we are working on to satisfy those requirements…," Dr. Estwick noted.
Canada and Barbados established diplomatic relations on November 30, 1966.