11TH European Development Fund Implementation Report 2017- 2023

(3) FIHAV 2017 As interest in trading with Cuba continued to build across the region, the programme played a vital role in facilitating opportunities for CARIFORUM firms to find a foothold in Cuba’s opening market. In joint efforts with the Agency’s binational office in the Dominican Republic, Caribbean Export facilitated the participation of twelve (12) firms at the 2017 International Fair of Havana (FIHAV 2017) in Havana Cuba from October 30 – November 3, 2017. The goal was to bring firms from diverse sectors, namely agro-processing, cosmetics, construction and plastics to participate in important business to business (B2B) events and promotional activities hosted by the Cuba’s Chamber of Commerce, Industry of Cuba and the 2nd Foreign Investment Forum. (4) HUB Camara Santo Domingo 2019, 2022 HUB Camara Santo Domingo is a multi-sectoral tradeshow produced by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Santo Domingo that brings together local, regional and international businesses. The programme supported the participation of businesses from CARICOM to foster increased trade between the DR and CARICOM and allow CARICOM firms to obtain international exposure, attract interest from buyers, particularly from DR as well as to explore market trends and enhance their consumer market knowledge. The March 2019 edition of the event coincided with International Women’s Day on March 8, aiming to promote gender equality in Caribbean and Central American businesses. It included a seminar within the framework of HUB, showcasing the work of women entrepreneurs and their roles in key institutions. The event also highlighted the contributions of programmes like WE Xport to the success of women-owned businesses in the Caribbean. The seminar, titled ‘Gender Equality in Caribbean and Central America Businesses,’ drew forty-five (45) attendees from diverse sectors, with representation from both private and public spheres. Additionally, two WE-Xport firms, Bijoux Lakay from Haiti and Meme Bete Ltd from Saint Lucia, were part of the delegation. In September 2022, seven (7) representatives from six (6) companies and one (1) BSO were supported to participate. During the trade show, the exhibitor companies and BSO held a total of 45 business meetings, resulting in at least three (3) promising business leads per company. Gom Food Industries secured five (5) significant contacts, one of whom visited their company in October 2022, with plans to resume discussions in 2023 after installing a new filling line. Vincy Box gained exposure for their products and received ten leads, including interest in incorporating their products into a tea brand; they've sent one business proposal and continue to follow up. BELTRAIDE supported Naledo and other Belizean companies at the show, garnering such positive reception for Belizean products that they're already planning to return in 2023.

Table 7: Participants of HUB Camera Santo Domingo 2022

Company

Sector/Products

Country

Jamaican Teas LTD Gom Food Industries NW Vincy Box Naledo

Industrial (Agro)

Jamaica

Industrial (Agro)

Suriname

Industrial (Agro)

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Industrial (Agro)

Belize

Marie Sharps´s Fine Foods, Ltd Hello Green/ Vegware Caribbean BELTRAIDE

Industrial (Agro)

Belize

Industrial Technology/Biodegradable

Trinidad and Tobago

BSO

Belize

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

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