Caribbean Export Implementation Report 2017-2020

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE BOARD

Senator Dr. Lynette Holder - Chairperson of the Board, Caribbean Export Development Agency

It is a pleasure to present Caribbean Export Development Agency’s Implementation Report for the period 2017-2020.

investment promotionhas not gone unnoticed as identified by participants quotient of over 9,500 CARIFORUM beneficiaries from 257 work programme interventions. This is a solid indication that Caribbean Export is not only reaching the substantial portion of the CARIFORUM private sector, but this target group is also engaged and committed to their growth and development as well. This is also an opportune time to formally welcome our new Executive Director Mr. Deodat Maharaj and thank my colleagues on the Board of Directors for their dedication and pledge to Caribbean Export’s mandate. On behalf of the Board, I also wish to commend the Management and Staff of Caribbean Export for their stellar support and steadfast commitment in steering of the region’s private sector development, during what can only be described as turbulent and uncertain times globally. As we move towards the final phase of the implementation of the 11th EDF RPSDP, we are confident that Caribbean Export is well positioned to continue building capacity to support CARIFORUM’s post-COVID economic recovery and help more regional Small andMediumEnterprises (SME’s) realize their export potential, attract investment and thereby creating a sustained prosperous Caribbean community.

A review of the period has revealed that implementation of the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) Regional Private Sector Development Programme (RPSDP) has been successful to date, despite the challenges of the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Leading up to 2020, trade from CARIFORUM had been steadily growing in key sectors with many exporters participating in the Agency’s private sector development programmes. Some of the Agency’s beneficiaries have reported an increase in their regional and international export sales to date, as well as signs of tangible and sustainable growth within their businesses. As Chairperson, I am particularly proud of Caribbean Export’s speedy reaction to the pandemic, pivoting to provide many services virtually, thereby mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on the region’s private sector. This Implementation Report highlights this work, and the reach of the Agency across CARIFORUM. The Agency’s continued focus on key interventions such as, access to finance, capacity building, export promotion and

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