The Dominica Association of Industry & Commerce (DAIC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) of Martinique, to facilitate collaboration on several areas of expertise.
The objectives of the MOU include collaboration on different areas of expertise including the exploration of trade, investment and other opportunities in both territories. It also highlights the provision of technical support, and sharing of good practices with DAIC members on the prevention of natural disasters.
It was signed on Wednesday.
The MOU also underscores partnership between the CCI Martinique Training Centre and the DAIC to offer specialized training to businesses in Dominica, in an effort to further develop the skills of professionals in the workplace.
President of the DAIC, Jeffrey Baptiste, praised the neighbouring island, stating that it is the “best in class on how private sector organizations should really operate.”
Thus, he explained that it was sensible for the DAIC to not only accept the support offered by Martinique, post-Tropical Storm Erika, but to forge strong partnerships within the CCI Martinique to build capacity within the private sector within Dominica.
“If we can strengthen that partnership with the Chamber of Commerce in Martinique, then they can help us achieve our own ambitions in Dominica,” he said.
Baptiste emphasized that both the DAIC and the CCI Martinique are equal partners in the venture, as both parties stand to benefit from the MOU.
“I think it’s a good opportunity for Dominica. I also think it’s a good opportunity for Martinique. I believe in mutual benefit. We are not here standing to give the impression that there is absolutely nothing to offer from our side,” he elaborated. “There are some very useful and valuable opportunities, I think, that exist within Dominica. I think our market presents an excellent opportunity for investors from Martinique.”
The signing of the MOU was part of a Trade Mission to Dominica hosted by the two parties, from June 14 to 18, 2016.
Thirteen companies from various sectors and businesses form part of the Trade Mission visiting Dominica, seeking to engage local Dominican businesses.
The Trade Mission follows the DAIC’s Mission to Martinique in November 2015, which was hosted by the CCI Martinique, in an effort to improve trade relations between Dominica and the French island.
It not just about signing agreement, it is about the strong stands you take locally as an organization DAIC to help represent and protect private sector in Dominica. You are fudging strong relationships outside but inside your relationships are weak.
That’s what happens when you don’t protect the private sector industry. I know you are a good guy but playing on the fence hurts the industry.
I think you should step down as DAIC President. As well intended as you may be because you always have to be concerned how the right decisions you make as DAIC president going to negatively impact LIME/FLOW (prominent public company) relationship with the GOVT………… and to the end I believe you will do what it takes to protect your business which is the sensible thing.
The position you hold at DAIC is not fair to the Private Sector and to you Mr. Baptiste.
Dominica has signed the most memorandum of understanding on earth, nevertheless; nothing materializes after the signing.
Dominicans have signed more memorandum of understanding which was supposed to bring more hotels to Dominica than all the tea in China; after the fanfare of singing; nothing comes to fruition!
Another bit of hot air!
Progressive move. I think its about time Dominica try to engage in comprehensive Tri-Island trade and community relations partnerships with Martinique and Guadeloupe. A series of needs-assessment can be done to determine how to optimize the uses of the various resources each country has to offer, namely agriculture, recreational & sports tourism.
Hope the arrangement will be positive and mutually beneficial to Dominica as well as to Martinique. Great initiative.