SLYOU Magazine issue 4 | Page 15

With the official launch of the Saint Lucia National Export Strategy 2020-2024 in February this year, the hope is that the export sector gets a much-needed shot in the arm. By design, the NES intends to fulfil the overall mandate of Export Saint Lucia: to increase the aggregate volume and value of exports. And with a tagline like “Uniquely Saint Lucian with global appeal”, expectations are already riding high. Designed and endorsed by public and private sector stakeholders, the NES is Saint Lucia’s blueprint for export growth, offering a suite of trade-related strategy solutions to maximize the development payoffs from trade. It provides a unique window of opportunity for Saint Lucia to modernize and start a new cycle of export growth and gives stakeholders the opportunity to monitor their progress. Export Saint Lucia, the governmental agency charged with implementing the NES, will be supported and assisted by public and private sector stakeholders in realizing the success of the blueprint. Formerly the Trade Export and Promotion www.slyoumag.com | February - April 2020 Agency (TEPA), the agency recently rebranded and streamlined its operations to meet the demands of the competitive trade marketplace. Sectors covered in the NES include Information & Communications Technology (ICT); Creative Industries; Tourism; and Agriculture, Food & Beverage. The NES also contemplates the following cross-cutting themes which support these main export sectors: Trade Facilitation, Innovation, Renewable Energy, Education/Skills Development, and Access to Finance. Sunita Daniel, Chief Executive Officer of Export Saint Lucia, told SLYOU Magazine that the agency’s rebranding helps in raising awareness about its portfolio and, equally important, the true definition of “Brand Saint Lucia”. “It’s made us a lot more strategic and focused on what our mandate is,” she said. “Our mandate is a lot clearer (and) people now know exactly what we are doing. We have to work a lot closer with our clients.” SL-YOU | It’s All About Business 13