September 8, 1997 - The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, is extremely pleased with the overwhelming success of the Manufacturer's Forum, convened on Friday 29th August 1997.

The Manufacturer's Forum Meeting is the first in a series of activities planned by the Chamber Manufacturing Committee in its efforts to energize the sector and facilitate its expansion and development. The Forum was chaired by the Second Vice President of the Chamber, Mr. Thomas Roserie.

The meeting of the Manufacturer's Forum had as its primary objective, the bringing together of key institutions which facilitate the sector, so as to establish a network of support, information and resource sharing as well as a body which can catalyze action on specific issues. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Consumer Affairs, St. Lucia Industrial and Small Business Association, Small Enterprise Development Unit (SEDU), National Development Corporation, St. Lucia Bureau of Standards and the host were the Agencies represented at the Forum. Association of Eastern Caribbean Exporters was also invited but could not attend, however, their President, Mr. Edward Harris submitted a paper for the Forum's consideration.

Meanwhile, the Forum was able to identify the need for a comprehensive audit of the Manufacturing Sector as a critical activity which they must jointly urge the Ministry of Commerce to carry out. This audit would allow the Forum members to jointly and individually better appreciate the sector, its status, its composition and character so facilitating more meaningful assistance and action therein.