WTO hosts private sector consultations in GB

WTO hosts private sector consultations in GB

As The Bahamas seeks to gain full membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO), the government said it will begin WTO private sector consultations in Grand Bahama beginning today.

Led by officers of the Ministry of Financial Services, Trade &Industry, and Immigration, the consultations will take place at the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce, in Freeport, Grand Bahama, until Friday.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Financial Services, those interested in attending the consultations, or representatives of their organizations, are encouraged to refer to the website of the ministry’s website to determine the date and time that consultations will be held for their particular industry/sector, and confirm attendance.

Minister of Financial Services, Trade & Industry, and Immigration Brent Symonette said, the attendance and contribution of the Grand Bahamian business community, is important for the success of the negotiations.

“We need the input of every Bahamian sector,” Symonette said.

“When we negotiate, we want to ensure that we obtain accession terms that will contribute to the country’s overall growth and development. With everyone’s input, our negotiation team will be in a better position to put forward offers that encourage what’s best for the Bahamian economy, from a long-term perspective. But we are unable to accomplish that goal without the full support and input of all sectors.”

Anyone unable to attend the in-person consultations, but wish to have their input taken into consideration, are encouraged to complete the appropriate questionnaires found on the ministry’s website. The ministry can also be reached by email at trade@bahamas.gov.bs or by phone at (242) 328-5071- 6.