A 17-member CARICOM team which recently undertook an Agri-Business Mission to Chile, is highly supportive of increased and stronger linkages with that country after a revealing and successful study tour there which focused on the fruits and vegetables sub-sector.
Following the 8-day visit to Chile, located in the southwestern corner of South America, team members identified a number of areas in which the two sides could build business ties, and deepen friendship. Some delegates were of the view that the diversity of agricultural produce, and agribusiness experience in CARICOM and Chile, partly as a result of climatic differences, offered a unique opportunity for increased trade, and joint ventures in the production of agriculture-based value-added products.
Delegates noted that the fostering of contact and technical exchanges between Universities and appropriate technical agencies in the Caribbean and Chile would be beneficial. They were also in support of information sharing and technical assistance through linkages particularly with equipment suppliers.
According to the CARICOM Secretariat’s representative, Mr. Ronald Gordon, it is expected that there would be further cooperation between the Secretariat, and the International Cooperation Agency of Chile (AgCI) regarding an evaluation of the tour.
Particular area of focus during the tour included the Chilean government’s support systems for agribusinesses and the linkages between these businesses and indigenous production, the approach of universities and other technological institutions in contributing to agricultural growth, and marketing, and the operations of small and medium size agribusiness operations and their interaction with the market, farmers, technical support agencies, and the public sector.
The study tour which took place from 11-18 April, 1999, was organised by the CARICOM Secretariat in collaboration with AgCI, and coincided with the thrust of the Agribusiness Sub-Programme of the Regional Transformation Programme for Agriculture of the Caribbean Community.
