AGRICULTURE IN ST. KITTS AND NEVIS SPARKS POTENTIAL FOR TRADE AND ENHANCEMENT OF THE COUNTRY’S TOURISM PRODUCT

Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 25, 2019 (SKNIS): Agriculture in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis is far reaching as it sparks the potential for trade and the enhancement of the country’s tourism product, says Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Lindsay Grant, speaking at the Department of Agriculture’s 26^th Open Day on April 25, held under the theme “Food Security for our Country”.

“The Global Culinary Tourism or gastronomy as it is called, is a multimillion dollar industry that is contributing both to the socioeconomic development of a number of destinations,” said the minister, adding that more and more persons are travelling to eat exotic dishes and to participate in and experience events that are centred around food that is grown and produced locally.”

“For example, in St. Kitts and Nevis, we have our Restaurant Week and it’s being celebrated this year from the 18^th to the 28^th of July,” he said. “This is one such event with the potential to develop yet another vehicle for attracting visitors to our shores.”

Minister Grant also indicated that St. Kitts and Nevis has partnered with Plastic Free St. Kitts and Nevis to sensitize restaurateurs and hoteliers and the public at large about the harmful effects of single use plastics on the natural environment and by extension the tourism products and to agitate their complete elimination from the Federation.

In addition to the local vendors showcasing their produce at the two-day event, there is the added presence of the Taiwan Pavilion that exhibited Taiwan Excellence award winning products. They are also providing exporting consulting services to individuals within St. Kitts and Nevis interested in exploring business opportunities with Taiwan.

Also present are representatives of two major Taiwanese companies specializing in gardening products and showing Taiwan’s agricultural technology and machinery equipment, which is well known world-wide for its high quality and competitive prices.

“As the Minister of International Trade, I am duty bound to remind you and those interested here today that this is an excellent opportunity for collaboration,” said Minister Grant. “It is also an opportunity for starting new businesses and expanding already established businesses as you will be presented with consultancy services on how to forge partnerships with successfully established Taiwanese companies.

“I implore you to take advantage of these complementary services,” said Minister Grant. “I hope going forward that it will be a staple at our annual Department of Agriculture Open Day as it is always the will of the government to ensure that market access opportunities such as these are available for our people.”