The Minister for Commerce, Business Development, Investment and Consumer Affairs, Honourable Emma Hippolyte celebrates the success of business women who contribute to the growth and development of Saint Lucia, by wishing them a Happy International Women's Day.  The Ministry takes this opportunity to highlight women in business by giving special recognition to those women and the various sectors in which they operate, particularly those we have had an opportunity to interact with.

The Ministry of Commerce has continuously facilitated the establishment and development of women-led businesses in all sectors of the economy.  Traditionally, the Agro-processing Sector had been the area of focus for our women who had gravitated from the farm enterprises and into the cottage industry.  However, recent trends of registration of businesses owned by women have indicated a sharp increase in the number of businesses contributing to the Services Sector and the non-traditional areas, such as manufacturing.

Additionally the Ministry of Commerce along with its affiliate agencies and partners continue to support and guide the private sector through an affordable business registration process, fiscal incentives, investment opportunities and quality assessments.   Eminent global Issues such as Globalization, Trade Liberalization and climate change makes it even more compelling for both established and women interested in the business community to regard the Ministry of Commerce as the Institution of choice for business support and development of financially viable business options.

The Ministry wishes to encourage its clients to utilize the services offered and invites others to register the Ministry of Commerce and its allied agencies to gain access to the technical services available to support growth and development of your business.

This year we are pleased to highlight and salute women who own businesses in the Manufacturing and related Sector and recently utilized the many services of the Ministry or affiliate agencies.