By Theresa Blackman From BGIS Media

With the formal re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States (US), Barbados and other CARICOM countries are now seeking to further partner with that country in an effort to take advantage of emerging opportunities.

This was revealed when Industry Minister, Donville Inniss, received a courtesy call from Cuba’s Ambassador to Barbados, Francisco Fernandez Pena, at his Reef Road office this morning.

The Minister disclosed that apart from forging deeper economic relations with Cuba, Government was also eager to engage robustly in trade, and there were a number of companies ready to do business with the Spanish isle.

He confirmed that from May, Bank Breweries Limited would be seeking to export approximately one million cases of beer to Cuba. He added that early next month, a delegation comprising government and private officials would be travelling to Cuba to conduct a trade mission.

Mr. Inniss also pointed out that over the years, Cuba has been committed to providing extensive technical assistance to Barbados, especially in the area of health care.

In turn, the Ambassador noted that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in December 1972, Barbados and Cuba have maintained a cordial relationship characterised by cooperation and mutual respect. The two officials also touched briefly on the upcoming Cuba International Tourism Fair set to take place in Havana.

The restoration of relations between Cuba and the United States was signalled when on March 21 this year, President Barack Obama became the first US President to visit Cuba since 1928.

IMAGE: Industry Minister, Donville Inniss and Cuban Ambassador, Francisco Fernandez Pena in discussion during their meeting at the Reef Road today. (A.Miller/BGIS)

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Qatari Ambassador Visits Minister Inniss

By Theresa Blackman From BGIS Media

The Government of Barbados is seeking to deepen relations with the State of Qatar.

International Business Minister, Donville Inniss, expressed these sentiments this morning during a courtesy call with the Ambassador of Qatar to Barbados, Battal Maejeb Al-Dosari, during a visit at his Reef Road office.

Noting that as two small nations Barbados and Qatar must find ways to strengthen ties and carve out mutual interests, Mr. Inniss informed the Ambassador that this country has carved a niche not only in the tourism sector but also in international business..

In response, Ambassador Al-Dosari pointed out that although Qatar had maintained its economic stability mainly through the production and export of oil and natural gas, it was also looking to diversify into the tourism sector, and find ways of re-energising its agricultural production sector.

Mr. Inniss added that Barbados would like a bigger presence in Qatar and the establishment of an Honorary Consulate in Doha would aid in that process. Other areas of discussion included renewable energy and potential growth in marine-based activity.

Barbados and Qatar established diplomatic relations on December 4, 2007.

IMAGE: International Business Minister, Donville Inniss chatting with Qatar’s Ambassador to Barbados, Battal Maejeb al Dosari during their meeting at Reef Road. (A.Miller/BGIS)International Business Minister, Donville Inniss chatting with Qatar’s Ambassador to Barbados, Battal Maejeb al Dosari during their meeting at Reef Road. (A.Miller/BGIS)