SLYOU Magazine Issue 2 | Page 37

Export Saint Lucia CEO Addresses WTO Symposium CEO of Export Saint Lucia, Sunita Daniel, addressed the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) symposium on “The role of trade in the global agri-food system” held in Geneva, Switzerland from June 27-28, 2019. The Symposium provided an opportunity to hear from experts in agriculture policy and trade from both developed and developing countries on the trends and future expectations of the global food and agriculture economy. Discussions also focused on contemporary issues of importance to developing countries. The invitation was issued to the Export Saint Lucia CEO considering the work that has been done by the agency in increasing the variety and volume of agricultural exports. Noteworthy of these include Saint Lucia’s trial shipment of breadfruit to Philadelphia, the sustained shipments of sun-dried sea moss to the U.K. and U.S. markets, and the entry of a young female exporter into the U.K. market, specializing in mixed agricultural produce. The future of the global agri- food system will be shaped by climate stress and resource depletion, digital and technological innovation, as well as evolving consumer preferences. To keep pace with these demographics and the growing demand for affordable, safe and nutritious food, policymakers will need to develop strategies that promote economically, socially and environmentally sustainable agriculture and agri-food systems. The fourth session of the symposium focused on identifying policy strategies that could be used by developing countries with small agricultural sectors to manage their unique challenges. Agricultural development is a powerful tool to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. Growth in the agriculture sector can be more effective in raising incomes among the poorest compared to the other sectors. At the same time, small- holder producers face specific challenges in connecting to global markets to take advantage of consumer demand for sustainably produced agri-food products. The session took a closer look at technological innovations that offer new opportunities for small- holders and also highlighted new approaches for partnerships between the public and private sectors to support sustainable agriculture development. VISIT OUR OFFICE AT UNION INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, UNION, ST. LUCIA TEL: 1(758) 450-2249 • FAX: 1(758) 450-2989 VIEUX FORT TEL: 1(758) 454 (EVER)3837 EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.caribbeanmetalslimited.com www.facebook.com/caribbeanmetalslimited • Reinforcing Steel • Roofing • Universal Columns • Channels • Staircases • BRC Fabric • Drywall • Galvanised Weldmesh • Polythene • Brick Force • Purlins • Hollo • Gates • Galvanised Pipes • Cement/Cement Board • Flats • Angles • Water Tanks • Solid Squares • Concrete Blocks • Nuts/Bolts/Screws • Expanding Metal • Tying Wire • Universal Beams • Building Components • Hurricane Straps • Plates : Floor Plates, • Stud & Tracks Aluminum,Galvanize, • Translucent Sheets Mild Steel • Welding Plants & Rods • Decor Wrought Iron/ rgings • Heavy Duty Doors • Brackets & Clamps • Hercules Fencing • Galvanised Floor Decking • Chain-Link Fencing & Accessories www.slyoumag.com | September-October 2019 SL-YOU | It’s All About Business 35