Local businesses move to boost trade with CARICOM Article by July 13, 2021 Business leaders in Barbados have highlighted a range of issues that continue to hamper trade with other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) states and made several recommendations they believe could help turn things around. Addressing a Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) virtual trade forum last Friday, several officials representing private sector interests pointed to the high cost of doing business, slow processes within customs departments and a lack of an enabling environment, as major setbacks to increasing trade between Barbados and Suriname and Guyana. Louis Forde, Customs, Port and International Trade Advisor with the Barbados Private Sector Association, said in order to improve trade between Bridgetown and its two CARICOM neighbours, Government must make a greater effort in the area of business facilitation.