11TH European Development Fund Implementation Report 2017- 2023

enjoyed greater visibility by being present at the event. A positive un-intended consequence was the increased promotion of Caribbean products on display, and an expression of interest to purchase from visitors. The All-ACP Private Sector Development Platform with the ACP Secretariat and the European Commission served as a platform for all parties to exchange ideas and experiences on best practices, and for strengthening the ACP-EU network. The expected outcome of the project is the overall strengthened relations with the EU, Africa, and other international development partners. ii. Increased focus on key strategic sectors, clusters and value chains Based on lessons learnt under the 10th EDF RPSDP, Caribbean Export recognised that public-private and private-private dialogue and partnerships can contribute to the improvement of trade, export, and the business enabling environment. In addition, strengthening dialogue among private sector representatives and fostering BSO exchanges will be essential to effecting positive change within the business environment. (1) The Dominica Business Forum In Q2 of 2017, Caribbean Export provided support to the Dominica Business Forum in hosting a two-day business retreat from June 13-15, 2017. Under the theme, ‘Strengthening the Dominica Private Sector – the Jamaica Experience,” the Dominica Coalition of Service Industries collaborated with the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica. The aim was to bolster the advocacy role of the private sector. The Agency provided administrative support, within the framework of the 11th EDF RPSDP. The Dominica Business Forum, which consists of seven national organisations, was launched in December 2012 to represent the interests of, and to advocate on behalf of, all sectors of Dominica’s business community. (2) Relevance and Development of two IP Cases In the 2nd quarter of 2017, TORs on the Consultancies: Development of Strategies and Best Practices for the Development of GIs/Origin Linked Products (OLPs) for Selected Products in CARIFORUM Countries; and the Development of a Case Study on the Importance of the Protection of a Business’ Intellectual Property were published, and two consultants were procured to undertake each case study. In Q4 of 2017, the Agency facilitated the consultants’ presentations on both projects in Jamaica and Belize, respectively. On November 21, 2017 in Kingston Jamaica, the respective consultant presented the findings on the Development of Strategies and Best Practices for GIs an/ OLPs for Select Products in CARIFORUM Countries using the case of the Jamaica Jerk experience. Twelve (12) stakeholders attended the presentation, although the expectation was that there would be at least fifteen (15) stakeholders present. Caribbean Export also facilitated the second consultant’s presentation on the Development of a Case Study on the Importance of the Protection of a Business’ Intellectual Property using the Marie Sharp’s Fine Food Limited experience in the protection of their brand on December 1, 2017 in Belize. The objective of the consultancy was to build stakeholders’ awareness of the importance of identification and protection of a business’ intellectual property pertaining to the brand associated with the business, its products and services, and the consequences from the lack of protection. It was expected that only fifteen (15) stakeholders would participate. However, the Agency extended its reach and seventeen (17) persons were in attendance. (3) National Capacity Training Intellectual Property (IP) Workshop Clinics In 2018, Caribbean Export hosted a series of National Capacity Training IP Workshop Clinics. The purpose of the Workshop was to facilitate the export development and promotion through the case study which documents the experiences of Marie Sharp’s Fine Food Limited of Belize in protecting their brand and bring the awareness of the importance of IP tools in best practice.

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

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