Aims & Objectives

 The template for a coalition of service industries was based on existing coalitions such as the US Coalition of Service Industries, the European Services Forum and the Hong Kong Coalition of Service Industries.  These agencies, like other existing coalitions, perform strictly lobbying roles.  

However, in order to satisfy the needs of the government of Barbados and the BCSI’s membership, and to be effective in the lobbying and advocacy efforts of the organization, it was necessary for the BCSI to adopt a wider mandate.

The main aims of the BCSI have been ‘to develop and diversify the services sector and to prepare service providers to manage the challenges and opportunities which will be presented in an era of expanding global markets’.

The objectives of the organization include:

• To promote the further development and competitiveness of Barbados’ service sector;

• To ensure that the highest industry standards are met by all Barbadian service providers;

• To educate Barbados service providers on relevant aspects of the CSME, WTO, EPA and other trade agreements and on any government policies or issues which can affect trade in services;

• To represent the interests of Barbadian service providers by
lobbying government for legislative and policy changes which will promote fair multinational rules for trade in services;

• To provide Barbadian service providers with knowledge of
export opportunities and to promote export activities.

Essentially, the main objective of the BCSI is to encourage and assist service providers to export their services. 

Portfolios & Projects:

Lobbying & Advocacy

Association Incubation and Support Unit

Supporting Services

The AISU is intended to strengthen service associations through the provision of administrative and developmental support. Stronger associations would therefore play a more strategic role in the BCSI’s lobbying and advocacy efforts.

Communication

THE FLYING FISH: The eNewsletter Of The BCSI

Distributed weekly to reflect the updating of BCSI's website, this newsletter offers trade news and a listing of regional and international procurement opportunities aimed at getting BCSI members to see the export potential of a range of services.

Development & Education

Services Exporters Certificate of Excellence Programme (SECEP)

Building Businesses

The SECEP programme is a series of interactive workshops hosted by industry professionals aimed at equipping local service providers with the skills needed to become export-ready.

Export Promotion

Trade Missions

Exporting Excellence

The BCSI has hosted eight services trade missions to St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Guyana, Suriname, the Dominican Republic, Martinique, The Bahamas and Curaçao and has participated in missions to Dominica, St. Kitts, Miami and the EU. In addition, the BCSI has participated in over 15 trade shows including: Barbados Expo– London and China-Caribbean Economic Partnership Forum.

OTHER BCSI SERVIVES INCLUDE: Training courses, Trade Bulletins, Trade Enquiry Assistance, Business Matchmaking Facility, Facilitation of In-bound Trade Missions, Participation in and Hosting of Trade Shows and Exhibitions, Business Information and Advice, Association Formation.