BAVINA SOOKDEO
In a significant move to transform the landscape of the Caribbean's service industries, prominent figures from the realms of business, government, and entrepreneurship came together for the Caribbean Services Exporters Symposium 2023 (CSES23).
Held in a virtual setting on October 17-18, this event became a crucible of inventive concepts, charting a fresh course toward sustainable expansion and global competitiveness within the region’s service sector.
Under the theme Reimaging the Caribbean: Positioning the Future Driven by Knowledge Services Growth, the symposium was orchestrated by the TT Coalition of Services Industries (TTCSI), alongside major regional counterparts from Barbados, Belize, Jamaica and Latin America.
Vashti Guyadeen, TTCSI’s CEO, said, “This collaborative initiative marked a progressive step towards harnessing collective expertise, addressing sectoral challenges, and maximising the inherent potential of the Caribbean’s services landscape.”
The symposium, which attracted around 500 participants, featured 50 virtual exhibitor booths, interactive networking segments, and strategic matchmaking sessions. These elements were integrated to facilitate potential joint ventures, setting a solid foundation for long-term business relationships and regional economic fortification.
One of the pivotal discussions, the Trade Ministers Roundtable – led by Barbados’ Minister of State Sandra Husbands, underscored critical agendas. These included formulating a regional services register, enhancing standards and accreditation through collaborative educational initiatives, focus on non-mutual recognition agreement (MRA) sectors, strategic market-penetration tactics, and digital transformation through e-commerce and IT services.
The conversation also delved into the significance of positioning the Caribbean services industry as a cohesive “regional brand,” a concept further supported by insights from industry leaders.
They highlighted resilience and adaptability as prime components for thriving in the global business arena.
In the spotlight was the critical narrative of environmental sustainability, driven by Guyadeen.
Emphasising the sector’s significant ecological footprint, she advocated for integrating green practices within operational paradigms.
“Transitioning towards sustainable modalities is not solely about ecological preservation. It also promises economic viability, distinguishing Caribbean services in the global marketplace,” Guyadeen said.
In an interview with Business Day, Guyadeen elaborated on the transformative journey ahead for Caribbean services sectors.
She said the symposium was not an end but a beginning, signalling the dawn of a revitalised era when opportunities, particularly after the Caricom milestone, would abound for service providers across member states.
She added that the symposium’s role is a conduit for empowering regional micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly the women-led entities that form a substantial segment of the e
