Private Sector Should Take The Lead In Barbados' E-Commerce Drive

by Amanda Banks, Tax-News.com, London

25 February 2002

Ronald Toppin, the Barbadian Minister for Commerce, Consumer Affairs and Business Development, said last week that the private sector should lead the jurisdiction's e-commerce push, albeit with legislative assistance from the Government.

Speaking at a meeting on the subject of doing business under the new electronic transactions law the Minister, who is also responsible for e-commerce development, told participants:

'It is my view that the private sector has a critical role to play in the development of electronic commerce in our country. Indeed, I would be extremely happy to see the sector leading the way in this very important area.'

Following the Barbadian Government's stated commitment to aggressively market the jurisdiction as a location for international business following its removal from the OECD blacklist, this statement may seem a little incongruous.

However, Mr Toppin went on to reassure those attending the meeting that the Government did not intend to abdicate responsibility for the development of e-commerce in Barbados, and is 'prepared to play its part in the development of this area of economic activity'.

The Minister stressed that the authorities would endeavour to provide a supportive and efficient legislative framework for the sector, and would step up e-commerce and IT training initiatives.

'Government sees itself very much as a facilitator in the process of the development of electronic commerce. And I believe that that role can be carried out through the provision of the required legal framework,' he explained.

No mention was made, however, of any tax or other incentives which might be offered to help the burgeoning industry get off the ground.

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