Developing manufacturing capacity for a pharmaceutical industry and making Barbados’ agricultural sector more climate resilient were discussed during a recent courtesy call with Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Gerd Müller.
During talks at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre on Tuesday, Ms. Mottley outlined her vision of building out the manufacturing capability of Barbados’ pharmaceutical industry, noting that Carlisle Laboratories, a Barbadian pharmaceutical company, started its operations in 1888 and is ready to take it to a new level.
The Prime Minister also mentioned the ongoing Health Development Partnership for Africa and the Caribbean, alluding to the current partnership with Rwanda in the area of pharmaceutical equity and how such a platform could be fully developed in the research and manufacture of certain drugs.
Regarding agriculture, Ms. Mottley acknowledged that the sector must become climate resilient by utilising technologies, such as greenhouses, given the extreme weather conditions caused by climate change.
“We have to invest…and provide greater access to capital for climate resilient agriculture, such as greenhouses and other things, so that there will be a steady supply of produce,” she said.
The two officials also discussed how UNIDO could assist small island developing states (SIDS) with economic diversification of critical sectors, to strengthen their capacity to tap into more global markets.
On this issue, the Prime Minister stated: “If we only look at domestic supply, we will never be able to have the economies of scale necessary to propel us unless there is something very unique and has much value-added potential.
“So, I see the opportunity for you to show what is possible for SIDS, not just for the benefit of all SIDS, but equally, in helping propel us to change an ecosystem that is important for our future development.”
In response, Mr. Müller stressed that Barbados and his agency had a long-standing relationship, and it was keen to provide technical assistance in this new area of cooperation.
“You have quite a few interesting sectors for the future of your country. Agrotechnology, for example, has a lot of potential in this country. Barbados has good governance and a good reputation, and that is important for future investors…,” the Director General observed.
Ms. Mottley and Mr. Müller also spoke of the development of the island’s ocean economy, expansion of the tissue culture lab, and the Sargassum seaweed, among other matters.