Senior Minister with responsibility for Economic Development, Investment, Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas, has outlined an ambitious agenda to modernise trade systems, strengthen consumer protection and reposition local industry as key drivers of economic resilience under the 2026 Budget.
In his contribution to the Budget Debate, Dr. Douglas said the Government’s economic strategy recognises that small states must compete smarter, not harder, by modernising institutions, embracing digital tools and ensuring fairness within the marketplace. He described the approach as essential to sustaining growth in an increasingly complex global economy.
A major pillar of the strategy is the modernisation of international trade infrastructure, with the Government moving decisively toward a paperless trading environment. Dr. Douglas said outdated, paper-based systems have long slowed commerce and weakened competitiveness, noting that digitalisation is no longer optional. “This is about building a smarter, faster and more resilient trade ecosystem,” he told the National Assembly, linking the initiative directly to obligations under the World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement.
The transformation is being supported through technical engagement with the World Bank and the Commonwealth Secretariat, alongside collaboration with the Government’s Digital Management Transformation Unit. According to Dr. Douglas, the shift will reduce bureaucratic delays, improve transparency and create a more predictable environment for exporters, importers and investors.
Consumer protection featured prominently in his presentation, with Dr. Douglas stressing that economic growth must not come at the expense of fairness. He confirmed that new digital tools are being deployed to empower consumers and curb exploitative pricing practices. Among them is the rollout of a real-time price monitoring system and the development of the SKN Smart Shopper app, scheduled for launch in 2026, which will allow citizens to compare prices across retail outlets instantly.
“We are giving people the tools to protect themselves,” Dr. Douglas said, urging consumers to use technology to make informed choices and hold businesses accountable. He added that the Government has strengthened collaboration with the CARICOM Competition Commission and OECS partners, establishing a dedicated competition desk to address anti-competitive behaviour and ensure a level playing field.
On industrial development, Dr. Douglas acknowledged that manufacturing currently represents a modest share of national output, but argued that its growth potential is significant if energy costs are reduced and access to markets improved. He said the Government’s push toward renewable energy is central to that effort, describing high electricity costs as one of the most prohibitive barriers to industrial expansion. “Industry and commerce cannot move forward without cheaper, reliable and abundant energy,” he stated.
The Minister said strategic investments in solar and geothermal energy — including collaboration with Nevis on geothermal development — are intended to lower production costs and position local manufacturers to compete regionally. He linked these efforts to broader goals of job creation, import substitution and economic diversification.
Dr. Douglas also highlighted initiatives to foster entrepreneurship and support small and micro enterprises, noting that diversification depends on cultivating innovation and enabling businesses to scale. He pointed to recent trade missions, manufacturing expos and business matchmaking initiatives as practical mechanisms for connecting local producers with regional and international markets.
Throughout his address, Dr. Douglas framed trade, industry and consumer policy as interconnected tools rather than isolated portfolios. He argued that economic resilience requires systems that work together — modern trade processes, protected consumers, competitive industries and affordable energy — all aligned with the Sustainable Island State Agenda and the National Development Planning Framework.
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