Ways in which Barbados and countries in the Netherland Antilles could work together on key issues were discussed recently, when a delegation from the Kingdom of the Netherlands met with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Maxine McClean.
Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Barbados, Jules Bijl; Acting Director of the Western Hemisphere Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Joost Reintjes; and Ambassador for CARICOM Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Lucita Moeniralam, held talks with the Minister at her Culloden Road office.
The officials spoke about the possibility of creating linkages in the agricultural sector, particularly in the areas of horticulture and green house technology. Senator McClean noted that Holland was a ???powerhouse??? in green house technology, and Barbados could benefit from its expertise in this area.
She added that a group of young persons in Barbados was working on the development of cooling systems and pest control in greenhouses which would enable them to grow a wide variety of crops.
With regard to horticulture, the Minister expressed the belief that this industry was one that could be further developed. According to her, Barbados produced beautiful flowers every year which usually won prizes at the Chelsea Flower Show in London. She identified tissue culture development as an area that could be developed to service local consumers.
Other issues discussed included educational opportunities, air lift into the region, security, opportunities for trade, renewable energy and the economic situation in Barbados.
kim.ramsay-moore@barbados.gov.bb