Representatives from CCISM and COCI.
PHILIPSBURG--Representatives of St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry (COCI) and Chambre Consulaire Interprofessionnelle de Saint Martin (CCISM), met recently to discuss matters of mutual interests and working together for the benefit of businesses on the Dutch and French sides of the island.
The meeting marks the beginning of a partnership between the two Chambers of Commerce that focuses on inclusion, embracing of the differences and finding ways to work together to develop joint solutions to any existing barriers.
CCISM representatives updated the COCI Board about the steps to open a business on the French side. The main issue their clients run into is France requiring specific certification that relates to select activities in construction. This causes an inconvenience for persons from the Dutch side who have difficulty with their experience and diplomas appraised for certain trades.
Dutch side businesses can establish on the French side after complying with criteria for establishing a business on that side of the island.
CCISM is moving to a new online system to makes business registration much easier and business- and investor friendly. The French side chamber said it is working on improving the perception of the online process as it strives to become more visible in the business community.
When the CCISM system is fully online, staff will engage with the public via interactive programmes such as trainings, seminars, workshops and networking events for the business community.
Both chambers agree to work together on training. Joint training for taxi operators is one aspect they will look into to ensure proper information is given on tours.
Both organizations agreed to informed their business communities about opportunities available and how to conduct business on either side.
Both chambers agreed to collaborate with the upcoming Bush Tea Networking event where companies from both sides will take part in an informative session about setting up a business. This joint initiative is slated for the third quarter of this year.
CCISM was represented by President Angele Dormoy, Interim General Director Bhanicia Bryan, Project Manager Joy Carty, and Communications and Events Manager Malaika Maxwell.
COCI was represented by President Benjamin Ortega, Vice President Bertaux Fleming, Treasurer Louis Bute, and Executive Director Anastacio Baker.
