Stronger public-private collaboration and better market data are needed to help manufacturers increase supplies to the domestic economy and the tourism industry, the Barbados Manufacturers Association has urged.

BMA Executive Director Shardae Boyce said building strategic partnerships and understanding market needs were vital to overcoming supply chain barriers and navigating global economic friction.

Appearing on a panel discussion titled Caribbean Economic Strategies for Navigating Global Trade Fragmentation at the Central Bank of Barbados’ Annual Review Seminar, Boyce emphasised that tourism must be viewed as a vital export avenue for producers.