Agro Processors Financial Forum
On Wednesday 12th October a Financial Forum was held at the Starlings Business Centre on Factory Road. The meeting, specifically for “Agro-processors” and persons with interest in the sector was conducted by the Caribbean Union Bank (CUB), InterAmerican Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA), Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Barbuda Affairs (MAFBA), Antigua & Barbuda Investment Authority (ABIA) and Koncep Branding (KB).
The Opening ceremony was chaired by Esron Gittens CUB, Business Development Associate and remarks from Mrs. Karen Richardson, CUB General Manager, Mr. Craig Thomas, IICA National Specialist, and Mr. Gregory Bailey, Director of Agriculture.
The Forum addressed areas in business such as Account and Account Operations, Merchant Services and Sales, Loans and Credit Services, were illustrated via power-point by the CUB team. This team consisted of Mr. Kezron Lewis, CUB Card Services and Mr. Ragi Burton, CUB credit, and Mr. Kem Tonge, CUB Operations Manager. Twenty-five participants most of which were Agro-processors and others who showed very keen interest in the sector happily received the information that was disseminated.
Craig Thomas of IICA informed everyone present about the synergy between the two entities. This was the first time IICA collaborated with a financial institution and he added that this first start at this year’s PIANGO Fest where CUB was a partner and supported with the Agro-processors’ competition. “Forging this relationship would bring some much-needed assistance to the Agricultural sector”, said Thomas.
At the beginning of 2022, MAFBA outlined its priority areas and IICA has been supportive and collaborated in many, one of which is Agro-processing. “IICA continues to support the Ministry of Agriculture and supporting the Agro-processing industry is one of them and this is a step forward to support the sector” Thomas said.
The success of the CUB and IICA first collaboration only fostered more co-operation between the two institutions. “We decided that we wanted to do another activity before the end of the year and after the Agro-processors competition so this activity last night was done” Thomas added.
In his presentation Mr. Oriel Walter, managing director of Koncep Branding spoke on business areas such as marketing, branding and labelling. While Mr. Garfield Joseph represented ABIA and shared information mainly pertaining to Business Financing options and entrepreneurship.
After the questions and answers segment, the Agro processors distributed samples as a way of marketing their products so that others can be aware of what they had to offer. MAFBA is pleased with its partners continued support and deemed last night forum as a SUCCESS!