Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) hosted a Networking Event at Expo 2020 Dubai and invitees included members of the Prominent Family of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), members of the Diplomatic Corps, participants from pavilions already engaging SVG on possible investments and Vincentian investors.
Dr The Hon Ralph E. Gonsalves, Prime Minister of SVG, brought greetings via Zoom and spoke encouragingly about the investment climate and opportunities available to investors.
During the networking event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Cyber Wales Group C.I.C and the St Vincent and the Grenadines Chamber of Industry and Commerce (SVGCIC) – with Chairman Hon. Col Mr John Davies representing Cyber Wales.
His Excellency Sheikh Dr Hamed bin Ahmed Al Hamed and Sheikh Mohammed Al Hamed witnessed the signing ceremony.
The MOU will allow members of both parties involved to benefit in areas such as the exchange of information, imparting best practices, joint educational activities, joint research activities and joint business development activities – in respect to cybercrimes and development.
The agreement was previously signed by SVGCIC President Mr Peter Van Whervin on behalf of his Chamber members and Hon. Col Mr John Davies. Ms Annette Mark, Invest SVG Executive Director and SVGCIC Vice President, and Mr Faheem Azhar (Board of Directors and International Advisor of Cyber Wales) accepted the agreement at the event.
Hon. Col Mr John Davies added that Cyber Wales was delighted to sign the MOU with the vibrant multi-island nation of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
“This is an agreement for our two cyber communities to collaborate in the fight against cybercrime. While the major nations of the world strive to gather intelligence that they can share and set up international infrastructure controls that protect us all, the battle for smaller nations such as Wales and St Vincent is much more immediate and closer to home,” he explained.
“Even relatively small cyber-attacks can have a much more severe impact on smaller ecosystems, and it is harder to absorb the damage and bounce back. Where risk is higher, so mitigation needs to be stronger; and this means that we must work together, share best practice and skills and focus on better awareness and protection. We look forward to working together.”