Finance Officer at Export Saint Lucia, Julie Scott, has called on local businesses to embrace sustainability, digital transformation, and green innovation as core pillars of competitiveness in today’s global economy.
Speaking at the Expanding Access to Finance Workshop hosted by the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), Scott said the timing of the session could not be more critical as global markets demand climate-conscious and technologically adaptive enterprises.
“Sustainability and innovation are no longer optional; they are essential to survival and growth, we cannot speak about export competitiveness without addressing climate resilience, energy efficiency, and sustainable production. These are the hallmarks of the modern enterprise.”
The workshop formed part of Caribbean Export’s Building Resilient Innovation for Digital and Green Enterprises (BRIDGE) initiative, co-financed by the European Union, which aims to strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the region.
Scott commended the initiative as “a bold and necessary step” toward enabling Caribbean businesses to align with the global shift toward low-carbon, technology-driven economies.
“As a small island developing state, our future prosperity depends on our ability to produce and export in ways that protect our environment, reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels, and create high-value, low-carbon opportunities for our people,” she said.
She outlined several ways in which Export Saint Lucia is advancing this agenda, noting that the agency is actively supporting the integration of green energy solutions and sustainable practices across various sectors, from agro-processing to manufacturing and services.
She pointed to initiatives promoting eco-friendly packaging, sustainable sourcing, and investment in renewable energy technologies, emphasizing that these measures are not only environmentally responsible but also vital for long-term market access.
“Our goal is to ensure that Saint Lucian products and services reflect not just quality, but also environmental responsibility,” she said. Scott encouraged local entrepreneurs to take advantage of the BRIDGE programme’s co-financing opportunities, which she described as a gateway to transformation rather than mere funding.
“We encourage all entrepreneurs present to seize this opportunity, not just for funding, but for transformation,” Scott urged.
She reaffirmed Export Saint Lucia’s commitment to working alongside regional and international partners to build resilience, foster innovation, and expand access to global markets.
“Together, let us continue to build a more innovative, resilient, and sustainable Saint Lucia,” she concluded.
The Expanding Access to Finance Workshop brings together stakeholders from the public and private sectors, development agencies, and financial institutions to improve financing options for MSMEs across the Eastern Caribbean.
The BRIDGE initiative, funded by the European Union and implemented by Caribbean Export, supports firms in adopting digital technologies and sustainable business models to enhance competitiveness and climate resilience.
