Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Barbados, Michael Armstrong (left) greets Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Maxine McClean (right) before introducing her to the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Barbados, Piotr Kaszuba (second right) and his wife, Anna Kaszuba (second left) recently at the Inauguration Function of the Consulate General of Poland at the George Washington House.
BENEFIT TO ALL
Thu, 05/19/2016 - 12:00am
Polish Consulate in Barbados will strengthen ties
By Patricia Thangaraj
The new Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Barbados would only serve to strengthen diplomatic ties, develop trade relations, share information in vital areas for economic growth such as science and technology; enhance cultural ties as well as encourage citizens of both countries to do business and visit each other’s nations.
This is according to Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Barbados, Piotr Kaszuba who delivered remarks at the Inauguration Function of the Consulate General of Poland at the George Washington House.
“I am convinced that the newly opened Consulate will facilitate the alliance building contacts between interested parties, companies and institutions; will work to invigorate economic cooperation, trade and growth between the two countries; will assist in the establishment and maintenance of scientific, academic and social contacts; will work to enhance and present a favourable image of Poland and its cultural achievements; will promote all forms of tourism and last but not least will provide any consular advice and help to all Polish nationals staying in the consular district of Barbados,” he stated.
Honourary Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Barbados, Michael Armstrong agreed, stating that he would do his part to further the relationship between the two countries that was first established in 1996 and which has been further enhanced with the first Consulate being set up here in Barbados.
“My focus will be to enhance the bilateral relations between the two countries, particularly in the areas of trade, tourism, education and culture and I therefore intend to use my involvement with each of these sectors to identify and progress the opportunities that can be beneficial in both the short-term and long-term,” he explained.
He stated that he has already started discussions in relation to trade and education with the respective stakeholders and that a business partnership has already been formed between the locally based Automotive Art and a paint manufacturing country in Poland.
The prominent Businessman also spoke about increasing the tourism numbers from Poland to this island.
“My belief also is that tourism opportunities between the two countries should be examined, determined and progressed with vigour as this is a sure way of the citizens of both countries to have an opportunity to understand and share their respective cultures. It is interesting to note that in 2015; approximately 2300 Polish citizens visited Barbados primarily for vacation purposes. This is a small but encouraging number for the Tourism Ministries of both countries to connect and collaborate to drive this important initiative.”
Armstrong said that he will also be reaching out to the citizens of Poland who have made Barbados their home to see how both countries can further enhance their relationship.
Along this line, he also pointed out that there are currently quite a significant number of Polish people who have been living and working in this country for several years resulting in generations of families, the majority of whom are working in the business sector.