Caribbean Export & EPA Implementation in the Caribbean Servi

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Caribbean Export and EPA Implementation in the Caribbean Services Sector BENEFICIARY SUCCESSES USING THE EPA

MEILING INC. - TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

SONIA NOEL DESIGNS – GUYANA

Globally inspired, Meiling Esau is the Caribbean Premier Fashion Designer. Meiling started her business in the early 70s in a renovated garage with just two seamstresses and became incorporated in 1982 as Meiling Inc.  The company has also founded a successful corporate uniform division, which outfits employees throughout the Caribbean. Meiling’s designs were showcased at Caribbean Essence in London and Berlin. While in London, an investment opportunity arose with a firm in Europe and Africa, which led to trading with buyers in Germany and the UK. The Berlin showcase also proved to be extremely successful, as the company was able to secure an order for just over €2000 from a European boutique. Meiling established contacts with European designers, manufacturers, manufacturers. The company expects increased exports to the EU and profits, given the positive response to her designs and the value of the contacts established. There are also anticipated joint venture, and new market opportunities . and distributors, in addition to and international designers and

Sonia Noel is one of Guyana’s leading designers and over the last 16 years, has become one of the most recognizable names in the Caribbean fashion industry. In 2012, Sonia Noel participated in Caribbean Export’s staging of Caribbean Essence at London Engage and closed out the showcase. Participation in both events led to the establishment of two significant contacts in the United Kingdom: David Roberts, Founder of CaribDirect, a multicultural blog that features a variety of news, lifestyle and entertainment pieces from across the Caribbean and its Diaspora; and Sherry-Ann Dixon, a Marketing and Public Relations Consultant. Both of these connections have led to the creation of collaborative business opportunities including the launch of Makin’ Styles, a Caribbean Lifestyle magazine across the Caribbean, New York, London and Toronto; in addition to Noel’s participation in the French- Guiana Fashion Week. There has also been an increase in clientele for her brand Mariska’s Designs following the London Engage event, the majority of which is from the diaspora in the UK.