Information products on the functions of the OECS Secretariat were on display for the first time at an exhibition in Martinique last weekend. The exhibition, organized by the Regional Council of Martinique was staged in Fort De France from March 21st to 23rd.

The exhibition was a highlight of celebrations marking the 20 anniversary of the Regional Council of Martinique. Thousands of persons, including students, professionals and private sector individuals visited the exhibits, which featured activities and opportunities supported by the Regional Council, including opportunities for increasing trade and other relations beyond Martinique.

A specific area, during interactions with the public on the exchange programme, was in technical and vocational education. The head of a training institution funded by the Regional Council visited the OECS exhibit and held discussions on a programme for the training of OECS nationals in refrigeration and air-conditioning. At his invitation, the OECS staff visited the training facilities that will host OECS students later this year.

Several visitors to the booth voiced an interest in exploring trading opportunities with the OECS and establishing joint ventures for manufacturing products. These persons were steered to the OECS Export Development Unit in Dominica where they could receive further information and be facilitated in making the necessary contacts with the OECS private sector.

Visitors to the OECS exhibition also requested information on cultural exchanges and the movement of entertainers throughout the sub-region. The exhibition in Martinique was an opportunity for the OECS Secretariat to reach out beyond the English speaking Eastern Caribbean and broaden the horizons of regional cooperation. The Secretariat's participation was at the direct invitation of the Regional Council, which also supported its participation as part of the Council's programme of encouraging deeper relations between Martinique and the OECS.