BAIC Chairman Edison M Key (right) shares a light moment with Caribbean Export Development Agency Chairman Samuel J Chandler. (BIS photo/Patrick Hanna)

Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC) Executive Chairman Edison Key has pledged a closer working relationship with the Caribbean Export Development Agency.

"The Bahamas looks forward to working with the Agency to achieve our common objectives," he said.

Officials attending the 22nd Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Caribbean Export Development Agency, June 25, are pictured. Among them are Ambassador Willys Ramirez, Assistant Secretary General, CARIFORUM; Samuel J. Chandler, Chairman, Caribbean Export Development Agency; Philip Williams, Executive Director of the Caribbean Export Development Agency; members of the Caribbean Export Development Agency; representatives from CARIFORUM Countries; dand observers from the CARICOM Secretariat and other Regional Bodies. (BIS photo/Patrick Hanna)

Mr Key was speaking during the opening session of the of the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export)'s 22nd Board of Directors Meeting, June 25, British Colonial Hilton.

Dignitaries included Ambassador Willys Ramirez, Assistant Secretary General, CARIFORUM; Samuel J. Chandler, Chairman, Caribbean Export Development Agency; Philip Williams, Executive Director of the Caribbean Export Development Agency; Observers from the CARICOM Secretariat and other Regional Bodies.

BAIC Chairman Edison M Key makes a point at the 22nd Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Caribbean Export Development Agency. (BIS photo/Patrick Hanna)

Caribbean Export was established by an inter-governmental agreement signed by member states of the Forum of Caribbean States (CARIFORUM), January 1, 1996.

Caribbean Export is a regional trade development and investment promotion organization of the 15 CARIFORUM member states which includes The Bahamas.

Officials at the 22nd Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Caribbean Export Development Agency. Pictured from right are BAIC Executive Chairman Edison M Key, Caribbean Export Development Agency Chairman Samuel J Chandler, Caribbean Export Executive Director Philip Williams, and Caribbean Export Executive Director Ambassador Willys Ramirez. (BIS photo/Patrick Hanna)

Its mission is to increase the competitiveness of Caribbean countries by providing quality trade and investment development and promotion services through effective program execution and strategic partnerships.

The main item for consideration at this meeting is a position paper entitled 'Expanding Caribbean business in the global marketplace'. It provides a synopsis of the Agency's priorities and direction.

BAIC Executive Chairman Edison M Key told of co-operation with the Caribbean Export. (BIS photo/Patrick Hanna)

"I commend you on this initiative," said Mr Key, "for this is indeed in keeping with the Agency’s objective to be recognized as the premier regional organization for trade and investment development and promotion.