Venezuela, Barbados eye trade partnership

A delegation of about 48 Venezuelans is in Barbados for this year’s Agrofest, aiming to strengthen trade relations with the island and the wider Caribbean.

At a press briefing to introduce the Venezuelan team on Thursday, Barbados’ Ambassador to Venezuela, Commander Aquinas Clarke, highlighted Barbados’ goal of diversifying trade links to the south, noting Venezuela’s proximity and potential as a key partner.

“The government has been speaking about diversifying our portfolio and forming more and more linkages to the south,” Ambassador Clarke said. “Venezuela, being very close to Barbados, one hour and 15 minutes by plane, 24 hours by boat, has the potential to become one of our newest and biggest trade partners.”

Ambassador Clarke highlighted Venezuela’s agricultural expertise and ongoing collaboration with Barbadian businesses.

“Venezuela has a lot of experience. At this trade show, there have been discussions with veterinary expert Roberto Lugo from Laroste, who is linked with a Barbadian businessman on a joint project. In 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture visited and saw firsthand the opportunities available. There is significant interest in collaboration.”

More delegates are expected over the weekend, he said. 

“On Saturday, another six to eight businessmen from Lara State will join the contingent to display products. For example, pineapple is coming this year. Our group has grown from fewer than ten last year to about 48 this year, and I am working toward a 100-person contingent from Venezuela in the future.”

Ambassador Clarke stressed the potential for Barbadian products in Venezuela.

“One municipality in Venezuela has about a million people — almost five times our population. Establishing relationships with just one state there creates a market far larger than our local market or other international markets.”

Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Agricultural Society, James Paul, emphasised the importance of cultural and business exchanges.

“What is important is that cultural exchange is valuable,” Paul said. “But in terms of business relationships, it’s not one-sided. We also need to explore opportunities in Venezuela because Barbados has unique products and expertise to offer.”

He highlighted the potential for learning from Venezuelan agricultural practices.

“We are looking to develop our agricultural sector, and Venezuela has techniques and practices from which we can benefit. Agricultural exchange and information sharing will benefit both countries.”

Paul encouraged Barbadian farmers to engage and adopt new farming techniques.

“The Venezuelans bring excellent technologies with them. This is where Ambassador Clarke is helping to expose us, and I’m encouraging Barbadian farmers to participate and learn.”

He also stressed the importance of using local resources to strengthen food security.

“Food security is not just a regional responsibility. We cannot rely entirely on imports because disruptions elsewhere, like in Guyana, could affect supply. Barbados has a responsibility to develop its own agricultural products, and that message must be emphasised.”