Roseau, Dominica – The Dominica Export Import Agency (DEXIA) has successfully coordinated and processed two (2) major shipments of fresh produce to Barbados, reinforcing its commitment to expanding market opportunities for Dominican farmers. The shipments, organized in collaboration with various Barbadian importers, amount to 2,978 cartons of fresh produce, including plantains, avocados, tannia, dasheen, ginger, turmeric, limes, and passionfruit.

Plantains made up the majority of the shipments, with 2,452 cartons totaling 122,600 pounds. Additionally, DEXIA included its value-added agro-processed products, guava and passionfruit pulps, in the consignment, showcasing the diversity and quality of Dominican agricultural goods.

The 5-million-dollar Procurement of Agricultural Produce facility, through the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, financed 60% of the shipments, amounting to $134,165.00. This demonstrates the Agency’s commitment to supporting local farmers livelihoods and enhancing their access to regional markets.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy played a crucial role in ensuring the quality of the produce, providing field selection supervision and quarantine support. Hon. Dr. Vince Henderson, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy was also present to meet with exporters, observe shipping logistics, and offer essential trade support.

DEXIA remains dedicated to increasing market penetration for Dominica’s fresh agricultural produce and Agro-processed goods in Barbados. The Agency continues to explore expansion opportunities to further strengthen Dominica’s presence in the regional market.

About DEXIA

The Dominica Export Import Agency (DEXIA) is a public sector institution established by Act No. 14, and came into existence on July 1, 1986. DEXIA was created to spearhead the development of the export of Dominica’s agricultural and agro-processed products.

DEXIA focuses on six priority sectors (as laid out in the National Export Strategy), in which it would play a key role in building capacity and competitiveness. They are: Agriculture, Agro-processing, Energy and Natural Resources, Cultural Industries, Professional Business Services and Tourism.

In addition to exports, DEXIA is the sole importer of bulk rice and sugar in Dominica. The Agency also oversees two multipurpose packhouses in Roseau and Portsmouth respectively. The Export Promotion and Development Department, Commercial Department (which handles sale of essential commodities), the Administrative Department are all located at its office on the Dame Mary Eugenia Charles Boulevard, Roseau. 

The Agency functions as a Trade Promotion Agency (TPO) and is attached to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy

DEXIA Multi-Purpose Packhouses

DEXIA operates two Multi-Purpose Packhouses located in Roseau and Portsmouth, designed to provide essential trading support for Dominica’s fresh produce sector. These facilities are certified to offer services in sorting, grading, and packaging of high-quality fresh produce from Dominica, ensuring that local farmers can meet global standards required.