The Tribune

The Government will today begin a three-day World Trade Organisation (WTO) consultation with Grand Bahama's private sector.

Led by officers from the Ministry of Financial Services, Trade and Industry and Immigration, the consultations will take place at the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce's offices at No 5A East Mall Drive, Freeport.

Brent Symonette, minister of financial services, trade and industry and Immigration, said private sector input was vital in helping to craft the best negotiating offer for The Bahamas' WTO accession.

"We need the input of every Bahamian sector," he 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."

Companies interested in attending the consultations are encouraged to refer to the Ministry's website, www.bahamasministryoffinancialservices.com, to determine the date and time that meetings will be held for their particular industry/sector and confirm attendance.

Those unable to attend the in-person consultations, but would wish to have their input taken into consideration, are encouraged to complete the appropriate questionnaires 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.