GOVERNMENT HAS EMBARKED on several initiatives to bolster the competitiveness of key productive sectors.
Minister of Industry, Donville Inniss, made this disclosure earlier today during a church service to mark the West India Biscuit Company Limited’s (WIBISCO) 105th anniversary at the Whitepark Wesleyan Holiness Church.
Inniss noted that the aim was to improve the competitiveness and export readiness of Barbadian enterprises, and, in the long run, strengthen Barbados’ trade performance, and increase its foreign exchange earning capacity.
“Through the Barbados Investment and Development Corporation’s strategic programmes which are in train, these initiatives are to assist in the rebranding, revitalising and refocusing of the industrial sector to give it new impetus,” he affirmed.
Reiterating that Government was currently reviewing its incentives programme offered to the manufacturing and business community, the Industry Minister maintained it was his aim to make these concessions compliant with Barbados’ obligations in international agreements.
Inniss also hailed WIBISCO as “revolutionary” for its 105 years of commitment, service and uncompromising attitude to hard work, and lauded the company for its level of ingenuity, market research and product development, among other attributes.
Meanwhile, general manager, Adrian Padmore praised the “strong support of loyal staff members”, who now number over 200 persons, for the company’s success.
Noting that the business had a long tradition of firsts and strong iconic brands in its portfolio, the general manager maintained that it was due to the determination to keep WIBISCO and its products relevant in today’s marketplace.
Padmore also revealed that WIBISCO recently won the NISE 2014 “100 Improvements in 100 Days”, and the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award for Most Improved Company.
He announced that the Company’s new market focus included countries such as Cuba and Panama, adding that it his hope that Cuba-Barbados relations would make it possible for WIBISCO biscuits to be the first Barbadian products available on the shelves in Havana.
He therefore called for a clear Government-led focus on exports and the opening of new markets, as well as incentives to help manufacturers. (BGIS)
