11TH European Development Fund Implementation Report 2017- 2023

had consensus on the need for a new trade show that included a component for B2B meetings and focused on developing new exports and investments for Guyana. The programme later facilitated consultation meetings with the Guyana Trade Show stakeholders from March 15-17, 2017. A total of ten (10) meetings were convened to present the concept for the new trade show, and to gain feedback and buy in on a way forward. Each stakeholder expressed interest in the event, and more importantly, in planning for and participating in the trade show. As a follow up to the meetings, the Ministry of Business completed and submitted a final report from all meetings held. From June 13-14, 2017, the Agency participated in a Steering Committee meeting, in addition to providing technical guidance on the best way forward for the execution of the trade show. There was also a visit to the proposed site for GUYTIE (Georgetown Marriott Hotel) to determine its capacity for hosting the event. Further, meetings were held with potential booth designers and construction firms to gauge their capabilities and creativity for designing the theme and look of the show. GUYTIE was executed on the 19th – 22nd September at the Georgetown Marriott with over 100 exhibitors and 250 B2B meetings taking place. Caribbean Export provided support with marketing and promotion and the recruitment of an event manager. (4) Capacity Building of BSOs and TPOs In 2021, the Agency facilitated market intelligence webinar training for GoInvest in Guyana and for businesses in Suriname. The specific objectives of the training were to provide the BSO and firms with basic understanding of market intelligence information, including information on assessing export readiness, selecting ideal target markets, market entry requirements, and developing an export strategy. The training was intended to help the stakeholders identify traditional data sources for market information; better understand the opportunities presented in the CARIFORUM-EU EPA; and build the capacity of regional firms to procure market information for their use in trade and business activities. In Suriname, the overall purpose of the training held, was to increase firms’ use of high-quality market intelligence to aid their entrance, supply and operations in various target markets. As a result of the training, it is expected that SMEs would be better equipped at making informed business decisions, which could increase their export competitiveness.

12 persons

57 persons

benefitted from training in Guyana.

were trained via three sessions in Suriname, entitled “Building Globally Competitive SMEs.”

Implementation of the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) Regional Private Sector Development Programme (RPSDP)

37