Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 20, 2011 (SKNIS): The April 15 and 16 Taiwan Trade Show has served to energize the private sector and resulted in firm links being established to facilitate collaborations between St. Kitts and Nevis companies and Taiwanese firms based in Miami, Florida, U.S.A. Executive Director of the local Chamber of Industry and Commerce Calvin Cable explained that a cocktail on the night of April 15, allowed members of the Chamber and representatives from other small and medium enterprises to form “business to business relations” with the visiting executives. While appearing on SKNIS’ radio magazine, Perspectives, Mr. Cable noted that while outcomes from Trade Shows are not immediately realized, the stage has been set for deeper linkages. “The initial indicators are quite good,” he said. “Speaking with the various (Taiwanese) exhibitors out of Miami, they all indicated that they had quite a lot of enquiries from various businessmen … and the enthusiasm shown, and the proposals made were quite exciting. They (the exhibitors) will then have to go home and sift through all of these interviews that they had and make decisions as to the most likely candidates to set up business relationships with.” Mr. Cable added that local entrepreneurs should not “sit back” but instead, follow up with the various companies. He stressed that the business opportunities are wide ranging and must not be limited to distribution of products, but extend to include manufacturing services for electrical and other components. Government’s Senior Minister and Minister of International Trade Honourable Dr. Timothy Harris declared that the Trade Show, which was coordinated jointly by his Ministry, the Chamber and the locally-based Taiwanese Embassy, was a “resounding success.” He stressed that Government remains committed to facilitating trade opportunities for national companies to expand into foreign markets. Tax breaks, duty free concessions and other activities were highlighted as tools used by Government in the trade process. Another initiative mentioned features a reciprocal agreement with Brazil. “We are pursuing the Partial Scope Arrangement which will help [allow] those involved in electrical and electronic products such as Harowe Servo, Lutron Liamigua and Kajola Kristada, opportunities to become involved in what is the eight largest economy in the world i.e. the Brazilian economy,” Senior Minister Harris emphasized, noting that the high rating given by the World Bank to the island’s entry and exit infrastructure, provided by the port facilities, greatly aids the process. The Government Minister described as “highly favourable” the possibility of local companies having a trade show in Taiwan and noted that collaborations with the private sector will continue to facilitate the hosting of other trade shows with national and foreign businesses.