Critical Issues with Import/Export; What Every Business Should Know

In its continued program of support to its Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise members and those in the wider Business Community, the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce is hosting another E-Seminar to provide vital information to the important MSME Sector, that, if applied, will enhance their operations.

Many firms are engaged in Import/Export as central elements of their Business Model. Unfortunately, the Customs Laws and Regulators that aim to protect Government revenue restrict the movement of illegal and illicit goods, while facilitating trade are generally opaque and unclear to business people particularly MSMEs.

Most firms often rely on Customs Brokers and even shippers to conduct their transactions, without realizing that they remain liable for the actions and declarations made on their behalf. 

This Seminar seeks to inform business persons on the critical information they need to better navigate their business through the tricky process of importing/exporting.

The seminar will primarily be delivered by Mr. Nigel Edwin, Trade and Customs Advisor, he is also the Administrator of Institute of Customs and Trade, and will discuss the Role of Customs in Business Facilitation.  Mr. Edwin is a retired Public servant who served in the position of Director of International Trade at the Department of Commerce. Mr. Edwin worked at the Customs and Excise department for over 30 years up to July 2013. Mr, Edwin rose to the position of Deputy Comptroller of Customs. 

The other key presenter is Mr. Andrew Satney, International Trade Expert, who has worked at the National, Regional & International level. Mr. Andrew, currently serves as the Executive Director of the St. Kitts Chamber of Industry & Commerce.

A number of critical topics will be explored including;

• The Role of the Customs and Excise Department
• The WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and its benefits to the private sector
• The Impact of Customs functions on business competitiveness
• Analysis of the Trading Across borders component of the 2020 Doing Business Report
• Trade Facilitation and its benefits to the Business Sector
• Challenges Business people face when dealing with Customs
• Strategies to employ to ensure better service from the Customs Department