08 Jan 2024
Twenty-two Scottish firms and organisations have returned from a successful trade mission to Barbados with a slew of new business opportunities.
The yearly Scottish Trade Mission to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean creates a forum for Scottish entities to strike deals and build relationships with the Caribbean Island.
Some highlights of this year’s mission were:
Now in its fourth year, the trade mission offers opportunities for networking and business development.
It also has a proven record of promoting economic ties between the two countries.
The mission was organised by Invest Barbados, the investment promotion agency for the island, in partnership with the British High Commission, the Renfrewshire Business Network of Scotland, and the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT).
The Office of National Statistics recently found that trade between the UK and Barbados grew by 43 per cent for the four quarters to June 2023.
British exports to the island were also found to have increased by 83 per cent compared to the same period in 2022.
Barbadian Minister of State in Foreign Trade and Business Development, Sandra Husbands, spoke during the opening session of the trade mission held at the Town Hall at the Crane Resort, St Philip.
In her speech, the Minister emphasised the importance of transparency and substance in business.
She also highlighted Barbados’ competitive economy and business-friendly environment which has proved attractive to ambitious Scots firms throughout the trade mission.
Both the British and Barbados High Commissioners welcomed the Scots firms to the event, noting that being in Barbados gave firms an important opportunity to see the benefits of working internationally for themselves.
The organisers of the trade mission thank everyone for their committed involvement in making this year’s mission a success and look forward with anticipation to an even more successful event in 2024.
Kaye-Anne Greenidge, CEO of Invest Barbados said:
“Each year, delegates from the trade mission return to Scotland with great success stories to share and this year is no different.
“It is fantastic to see so many deals being struck, including in cybersecurity and lifestyle, proving that Barbados is an island of opportunity.
“It’s not just the climate and quality of life that makes Barbados attractive, there is also a welcoming investment climate and a stable socio-political backdrop.
“We hope that all delegates found the experience to be rewarding and positive and will consider joining us again in 2024.”
Jo Smith of the Renfrewshire Business Network added:
"Scotland boasts strong historic links with Barbados, and I am pleased to see these being strengthened between our two nations.
“This mission has allowed deals to be struck and agreements made to progress discussions further in a wide range of sectors.
"The support of Invest Barbados and the DBT has proven invaluable in progressing these relationships."