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Since the closure of the FCS office in fall of 2007, the Pol/Econ section has assumed the commercial outreach portfolio for the Mission. The Pol/Econ office works closely with the Foreign Commercial Service Office in Santo Domingo and the Foreign Agricultural Trade office in Miami as well as with the Commercial and Business Affairs Office in the Economic, Energy and Business Affairs Bureau in Washington on joint trade promotion activities, in addition to reporting, advocacy and other activities, and advising on significant developments affecting U.S. commercial interests. FCS Santo Domingo manages commercial diplomacy for the entire Caribbean.
In conjunction with the Ambassador and Deputy Chief of Mission, the Pol/Econ Section supports U.S. business interests in major projects and procurements, and traditionally works with FCS to provide U.S. businesses market intelligence (through publications such as International Market Insight, Industry Sector Analysis, and Country Commercial Guide reports), trade leads, business counseling, commercial advocacy, contact and trade event services such as Gold Key Service programs, trade missions and exhibitions. The section also helps U.S. exporters and investors resolve trade and investment disputes. All promotion activities are closely coordinated with the Commercial Service’s network of offices throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. The section has also made a concerted effort to re-energize ties to the U.S. business communities on all the islands.
Key Issues
Help U.S. firms participate more fully in private and public sector projects, and look for opportunities to increase two-way trade and investment with the Eastern Caribbean
Coordinate trade missions that showcase U.S. products, services and technologies
Revitalize contacts with U.S.-affiliated companies throughout the region and, where appropriate, encourage the formation of American Chambers of Commerce (AmChams)
Key PersonnelAmerican Staff:Lead Commercial Liaison: Jake AllerCommercial Liaison (Antigua, Barbados): Rick SwitzerCommercial Liaison (St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines): Kevin TierneyCommercial Liaison (St. Lucia, Dominica): D.R. Seckinger
Locally Engaged Staff:Commercial Assistant: Jonelle Watson
FAS Staff:USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS): Sarah HansonReference website/link for the FAS CBATO (http://www.cbato.fas.usda.gov)