OECS Export Development Unit Hosts Workshop in St. Kitts

(ZIZ)– Persons working in the creative and cultural industries took part in a National Training Workshop in Business Management for the Creative Industries Sector

It formed part of a series of interventions that the OECS Export Development Unit has been organizing to work with the creative sector across member states.

During the workshop’s opening ceremony, Business Development Officer at the OECS Secretariat, Sobers Esprit said as the economic landscape of the region changes, the creative sector needs to be in a position to perform effectively.

He said, “Recognizing that the creative industry is a key part of the new economic landscape of our member states, it is important for us to focus attention on its development and to see what kind of support systems, what kind of support mechanisms we can put in place to make sure that the creative industry sector becomes a more effective and important part of the this economic development process within our islands.”

He said the overall goal is to develop a set of tools to make the creative industries more competitive.

“Because the idea is for us to be able to take this industry and develop products and services that we can export that can make a difference in the quality of life of those of us who are engaged in this business and of course improve on the overall economic well-being of our countries.”

The workshop was held in conjunction with the Ministry of Culture. Permanent Secretary, Sharon Rattan said in order for Caribbean creative industries to be successful, they need to be distinct.

“Jamaica with its music and Trinidad with its Carnival products and if you really study and trace how these industries have evolved In order for them to compete regionally and internationally they are distinctive,” she said.

The workshop was held at the University of the West Indies Open Campus at Fortlands. It was financed by the European Union.