Government eyes trade mission to India

The government is exploring a possible trade mission to India as part of its broader effort to diversify international partnerships and strengthen trade ties beyond traditional markets, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has said.

The move comes amid ongoing discussions with several countries in the Caribbean and Asia, including trips to the Dominican Republic and planned engagements in St Maarten and Jamaica.

“We are seeking different trade routes, different supply markets, and seeing what areas that we can cooperate in, in the best interest of the people of the Virgin Islands,” Dr Wheatley stated.

While the Premier did not provide a confirmed date for the India mission, he pointed to the territory’s recent trade-focused engagements as a model. “We’ll soon be conducting a trade mission to India by diversifying the markets that we serve,” he said.

Dr Wheatley also praised ongoing collaboration with Jamaica, noting the appointment of an honorary consul in the BVI as a sign of deepening bilateral ties. “It signals strengthened relations between the government of Jamaica and the government of the Virgin Islands,” he explained.

The Premier highlighted Jamaica’s expertise in tourism, culture, and port operations as areas that could provide valuable lessons and trade opportunities for the BVI. “Through strengthened relations with Jamaica, we too can see some level of benefit,” Dr Wheatley said.

As part of its wider trade mission strategy, the government has also planned high-level meetings with the Dominican Republic. “We’ll be having meetings with government officials there,” Dr Wheatley stated. He noted that discussions would centre on mutual cooperation, including food security, and that the DR has already drafted a framework for collaboration.

He said the public should expect tangible results from these efforts. “We will report back to the people of the Virgin Islands,” Dr Wheatley asserted.

According to Wheatley, the trade missions are being spearheaded by Junior Minister for Financial Services Lorna Smith, with support from various ministries. He acknowledged the work of public officers in facilitating the logistics and coordination of these trips.

“We are on the move,” Premier Wheatley declared. “What we are doing is strengthening our relationships with others in the region, seeking different trade routes, different supply markets, and seeing what areas we can cooperate in, in the best interest of the people of the Virgin Islands.”