The local film, fashion and music sectors are to get a much needed boost. These industries will benefit from outside expertise to be provided by the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). ECLAC will provide technical cooperation to Minister of Trade and Industry to conduct studies on the creative industries, specifically in the areas of film, fashion and music.
The UN agency will also help with development of the export potential of these sectors. Additionally, the Ministry will get help to develop its national trade policy and strategy for the five year period from 2018-2022.
These decisions were taken following discussions between Minister of Trade and Industry, Paula Gopee-Scoon and Director, Subregional Headquarters for the Caribbean, Diane Quarless.  Other areas for prospective collaboration are special economic zone, high value manufacturing and information technology (IT).
The Government believes that the ICT sector has the potential to become one of the most critical areas of economic diversification in the coming years and will be a pivotal player in the creation of new jobs. The Tamana Intech Park which is managed by Ministry of Trade and Industry is part of the Government’s vision to diversify the country’s economy away from oil and gas and create highly-paid sustainable jobs in communities around the country.
Gopee-Scoon acknowledged the experience and success of ECLAC in the implementation of projects aimed at diversification in the Caribbean region and accepted the opportunity to partner with ECLAC on the studies related to the sectors. Both parties agreed to pursue these initiatives in the immediate future.