thebahamasweekly.com - GBPA Participates at 2014 Caribbean Exporter’s Colloquium

From:TheBahamasWeekly.com

Caribbean News
GBPA Participates at 2014 Caribbean Exporter’s Colloquium
By GBPA
Dec 11, 2014 - 4:58:57 PM

Mr. Derek Newbold, Senior Business Development Manager, represented The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited at the 2014 Caribbean Exporter’s Colloquium, held in Bridgetown, Barbados last month.

Freeport, Grand Bahama - “Building Economic Resilience in the Caribbean Region” was the focal point for government ministers, private sector participants and donor agencies, as they gathered at the Caribbean Exporter’s Colloquium 2014, held in Bridgetown, Barbados last month.

In keeping with the colloquium’s agenda, discussions addressed key factors facing the Caribbean community, including the state of regional exports, innovation and entrepreneurship, issues affecting competitiveness, the role of alternative energy as a driver for increased competitiveness and opportunities for the Caribbean within the context of the Panama Canal’s expansion.

Derek Newbold, Senior Business Development Manager for The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited, participated as a conference speaker/panelist, at the invitation of the Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA). Presenting on the topic, “The Caribbean in the New Global Logistics and Shipping Eco-system” Newbold highlighted the integral role Freeport has, and will continue to play in regional trade.

“My contribution addressed a number of pertinent issues related to the maritime sector, including trade patterns impacting markets in North America, the Caribbean and Latin America. According to industry experts, we can expect to see an increase in global trade over the next few years and more specifically, trade between West Coast cities and countries along the East Coast of South America. ” Newbold cited.

“Freeport is a progressive Free Trade Zone, with the only cargo port in the Caribbean region currently capable of servicing Post Panamax vessels,” stated Newbold. “We are strategically positioned to serve as an effective distribution platform for the region and beyond,” he continued as he outlined opportunities not only for The Bahamas, but the potential impact on the entire Caribbean region as well.

“The 2015 completion of the Panama Canal expansion project is anticipated to have a significant impact on world trade, and the Caribbean Community has a tremendous opportunity to benefit from this expansion,” said Newbold. “ Unlike most ports in the Atlantic and Caribbean region, Freeport is already equipped with the appropriate facilities to embrace these opportunities.”