The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

Around 30 current and potential Bahamian exporters are currently listed on the Bahamas’ Trade Information Service Portal that launched earlier this month, a private sector executive yesterday saying there was “definitely interest” from businesses.

Edison Sumner, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation’s (BCCEC) chief executive, told Tribune Business: “We believe that the portal is something that is going to be very significant for trade in the country.

“It creates a market access for local products to now be accepted in the international marketplace. We think the private sector is going to benefit tremendously from this. So far we are getting good interest ,and there have been a number of companies which have already uploaded details to the portal and others are still exploring it. We understand it’s a new system and it will take time for the entire business community to come onboard, but so far we are pleased.”

Chara Walker, the full-time content manager for the Portal, added: “I can say that there is definitely interest in the Portal from the business community. I have been getting a lot of inquiries. Applications are steadily coming in.

“I foresee that going forward that there will be quite a number of people reaching out to the Chamber. Right now there are approximately 30 businesses on the portal; 30 exporters and potential exporters that are listed. There is a steady flow of invitees for applications.”    

The Trade Portal was designed to create a “one-stop-shop” to access important national, regional and international trade information, such as export/import statistics, information on trade regulations such as quality requirements and standards, certification requirements and rules of origin, as well as shipping information, company profiles and key information on trade agreements.

    The portal was developed by Dutch company Globally Cool, working alongside the International Trade Centre (ITC). The portal is a joint initiative of the Government, led by the Ministry of Financial Services, which has responsibility for trade, and the BCCEC.