BUSINESS brain power!

That's what Prime Minister David Thompson wants from this country's successful business community.

According to the Prime Minister, the country's leading entrepreneurs need to consider the essential part they have to play in making widespread improvements in the manufacturing sector, as it relates to Barbados' future as a foreign exchange earner.

Thompson made the comments yesterday, moments before officially opening the spanking new Foursquare Rum Bottling plant in St Philip.

The plant, owned by R.L. Seale & Company will be able to process one million bottles of rum for export every calendar year to Europe and North America.

"I have in mind private sector companies taking on the responsibility of completing the missing links in the chain of business development by helping potential entrepreneurs in practical ways like offering mentorships, joint venture partnerships and to help with the distribution of goods and services," Thompson said.

"I have made it clear that it is in the best interest of all Barbadians to foster the growth of a larger business class to enable this country to survive in the global village. The public sector, the private sector and civil society, particularly community organisations, need to come together to address this challenge collectively."

According to the Prime Minister, things are set to get even tougher for small business, with the advent of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, as well as the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) signed through the European Union.

He said Government would certainly still play its part, but that Barbadians needed to find more niche markets, where less competition existed. (BA)