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Kitchen Designer and Project Coordinator of Wood House Furnishings, Tonya Blackman (centre)??was the star of the show when she explained??the concept behind the kitchen she designed.?? From left to right: Interior Designer and Member of the BIDC Board of Directors, Muriel Robertson; CEO of??BIDC, Diane Brooks; Minister McClean (particially hidden),??and President of the BMA, David Foster were impressed with Tonya Blackman’s talents. (C.Pitt/BGIS)

There are high expectations that the Barbados 2012 Holiday and Home Furnishings and Decorative Accessories Expo will help to stimulate the economy.

Billed as an Expo within an Expo, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Maxine McClean said: "It gives us the opportunity to create domestic demand for our products and energise the local manufacturing and services sectors."

She was speaking at its launch during BMEX, at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, yesterday evening.

Explaining that the Expo was initiated by the Council for Investment, Exports, Foreign Exchange and the Diaspora (CIEX) – a department within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she noted that the initiative was now in its second year.

She disclosed that the expo was started in 2010, and despite encountering many challenges to make it a reality, the event was successful with numerous participants looking forward to it becoming a part of Barbados’ exhibition calendar.

Noting that the exposition showcased the potential of local suppliers in the furnishing and decorative accessories industry, she pointed out it put the producers directly in contact with the final consumer (known as the home market) and the industrial buyer.??

??According to her, "Realtors, hoteliers, interior decorators and the like could now source fine furnishings and decorative accessories for any room from the domestic market."

She encouraged those present to consider Barbadian products and services first, adding that local products were finely crafted and represented the highest levels in design, quality and finish.

"Our ability to replicate our vernacular furniture lines offers a great business opportunity. These products represent the highest standard in design and manufacturing that is possible here in Barbados," Minister McClean said.

shamkoe.pile@barbados.gov.bb

Author: Shamkoe pil??

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