Ministry of Commerce Pledges increased Support to Manufacturing Sector

Contact: Julita Peter

Wednesday, December 12, 2001 -  The Ministry of Commerce will continue to lend  support to local manufacturers.   This was stated by Mc. Donald Dixon, Trade Advisor in the Ministry responsible for Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Speaking at the official launching of “Yellow Passion Table Butter,” the latest product manufactured by the Saint Lucia Coconut Growers Association Dickson,  said  the ministry’s support  will also come through its  many  agencies and departments such as the Bureau of Standards.

“ We trust that your association will collaborate with the Bureau fully to develop high international quality standards that will enhance the competitiveness of products to withstand the pressures in the marketplace and to call the bluff on any unrealistic technical barrier to trade thrown in your path. Your resilience will remain as a challenge to every fledging entrepreneur and your tenacity must become a buzzword in the boardrooms of every industrialist in Saint Lucia,” he added.

For the Chairman of the Board of the Saint Lucia Coconut Growers Association Ezekiel Joseph, over the past four years the association has been doing remarkably well.  He has described  “Yellow Passion” as a proud achievement for his association.

“It is important for us to realize that whilst the coconut industry enjoys some sixty-one years of existence, we as an industry have only been involved in manufacturing of coconut products for the past four years. And I think I have to make that point because a lot of persons are of the view that that we have been involved since the time of Copra Manufacturers Limited.  For the past four years I believe we have developed an industry where are farmers are satisfied,” Joseph said.

The Saint Lucia Coconut Growers Association has also received compliments from the President of the Saint Lucia Manufacturers Association Keith Smith. He says the development of products like yellow passion  responds to the challenges of the new open trade in the global environment. However he says the problem for local companies is their ability to compete with larger and more resourceful conglomerates in the developed world.

“This on a level playing field calls for new approaches and strategies, among government, manufacturers, retailers and the buying public. Whilst the Saint Lucia Manufacturers Association applauds the government for its fiscal measures to date, and the measures taken in assisting manufacturers to retool and upgrade small, medium and bigger companies we still need more government and private sector support for local produce,” Smith said.

Smith also pointed out that manufacturers needed  to be reminded of some of the key factors involved in successful manufacturing. Amongst these factors are innovation, niche marketing, and quality certification.

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