The Government has not given the desired attention to this initiative.
The Ministry of Commerce has not understood the importance of this to the consumers in St. Lucia, the Trading Business Community that brings international goods and services to them, or the Government of St. Lucia and the revenue implications.
The Ministry of Commerce has: (1) Unilaterally, reversed the decision of the Ease of Doing Business Task Force, endorsed by Cabinet almost six years ago, and identified and selected a new solution provider and Single Window System.
(2) Not taken on board concerns and advice of the Customs and Excise Department on the appropriateness efficacy of the system and need for consultation and involvement of the trading business community.
The Chamber successfully lobbied against the introduction of a new container examination fee that would have imposed additional cost on business.
The Chamber supported and served as an interlocutor as the Upgrade of ASCUYDA World took place.
Chamber worked closely with Customs to ensure that during the scale back of non essential commercial activity business was not unduly affected.
Successfully lobbied for the ore widespread of acceptance of copies in the Customs Clearance process.
Was successful in getting SLASPA to waive storage charges that accrued due to scale back on business due to Covid-19 related restrictions.
The Chamber joined the efforts (CARICOM Approved) in having Customs and Excise accept for a stated period copies of “certificates of origin” from St. Lucia’s largest CARICOM Exporter Trinidad and Tobago.
Successfully hosted Seminar on **“Critical Issues in Customs Brokerage What Every Business Needs to Know”**
**Held 4 engagements with the Customs & Excise Department on Issues affecting Members including discussion on the above matters.**
Chamber held at least three Engagements with the Ministry of Commerce on various Issues including:
Incentives & Concessions
Trade Facilitation
The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture is located at Orange Park Commercial Building, 1st Floor, Bois D’Orange, Gros Islet.
Advocating on behalf of members with the public sector. Increased visibility and credibility. Business training and education information sharing and networking.
A chamber of commerce is an organization of business owners and entrepreneurs who promote the interests of their local business community. Chambers of commerce provide access to valuable resources, discounts, and relationships that help businesses save money and market their products.
Chambers of Commerce will act to promote public policies that are in the best interest of business, in general. Specific Chambers of Commerce may also attempt to promote policies that serve specific industries or geographic locations.