NEWS RELEASE

Minister for Economic Development and Planning Holds 1^st Meeting with GCIC

Thursday, June 21, 2007, St. George’s: The newly appointed Minister for Economic Development and Planning, Hon. Anthony Boatswain, together with the Permanent Secretary and Senior Officers of the Ministry, met with the executive of the Grenada Chamber of Industry and Commerce (GCIC) on Tuesday June 19, 2007.

The objective of the meeting was to discuss topics of mutual interest relevant to the economic and social development of the country.

In his opening statements, the Hon. Minister introduced his management team and gave an overview of the mandate of the new ministry. He stressed the importance of planning for the sustainable development of the country.

Mrs. Yvonne Gellineau – Simon, the newly elected President of the GCIC congratulated the Minister on his appointment and sought the Ministry’s view on the following:

§ Recent amendment to the National Parks Act

§ Status of the Investment Bill

§ Status on the Value Added Tax

§ Status on the Fair Trade Bill

§ Status on the Bill for the Institute of Accountants

§ Granting of Concessions

The both sides agreed to the need for public and private sector dialogue. It was recommended that similar meetings be held quarterly.

The Ministry of Economic Development and Planning is responsible for the administration of the following:

§ Economic Development

§ Planning

§ Business and Private Sector Development

§ Trade (domestic and foreign)

§ Industrial Development (manufacturing)

§ Physical Planning Unit

§ Returning Nationals

§ Concessions

§ Development Planning (macro planning, project planning, project development)

The following Statutory Bodies report to the Ministry of Economic Development and Planning:

§ Grenada Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC)

§ Grenada Bureau of Standards (GBS)

§ Marketing and National Importing Board (MNIB)

The Ministry is also responsible for the micro enterprise industry.

The Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry is Mr. Mike J. Sylvester.

Ministry of Economic Development and Planning

(473) 435-0057