This was the word from minister Chris Sinckler, speaking Monday at a Press briefing before touring the Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade division at the Warrens Complex, St Michael.

"We want to ensure that we see a higher role for the diplomatic division in assisting in working out the way forward in negotiations . . . and then that we can take the work of those three departments [foreign affairs, foreign trade and international business] and really bring it into Barbados," he said.

In addition, Sinckler said his plan was to bring a "synergy" between the three departments so that there is a singular policy in negotiating trade agreements.

He added that this "one-stop-shop" would be a golden opportunity for investors to get things done in both service and trade, not only to bring business into Barbados but keep it here.

This, and anything else under the Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade division, have been assigned to Minister of State Donville Inniss.

"He will take charge and lead the Government's policy, ensuring that they are implemented in the way in which we envisioned and to get the benefits for Barbados and Barbadians," said Sinckler.

Meanwhile, the tour of the new Warren's office, he noted, provided insight into internal issues and contraints including staffing and current work programmes, many of which "are critical to the continued success of the Barbados economy to attract business".

There were similar challenges found at the Corporate Affairs and Intellectual Property Office, Belmont Road, St Michael, on Monday, including need for more space which Inniss said would become a priority for the ministry, and emphasis would be placed on intellectual property as a way to bring financial benefits to the country. (TM)