Caribbean Export OUTLOOK 2016 - 2017

message from Delegation of the European Union to the Eastern Caribbean Countries, OECS, CARICOM/CARIFORUM

The publication of this the second edition of Caribbean Export OUTLOOK , under the theme ‘Building Economic Resilience in the Caribbean’ , comes at a most opportune time in the development of the region. On the one hand, a few economies are showing signs of recovery from the ravages of the global financial and economic crisis. On the other hand, some continue to struggle at revitalising their main productive sectors, while simultaneously trying to reduce fiscal deficits and reign in domestic debt. While the global rankings of several countries, as measured by the Global Competitiveness and Doing Business Indices, have improved, the rankings of others have declined. There is therefore an obvious need to continue to lay and cement a solid foundation for sustained and inclusive social and economic development in the Caribbean. I am happy to say that the articles in this publication present an overall positive outlook for the development of regional trade and export, the expansion of the regional private sector and, by extension, the enhancement of the prospects for regional economic growth. Contrary to the impression sometimes given in the various media reports and academic articles, there are sectors, sub-sectors, firms and entrepreneurs in the Caribbean that are emerging, growing and

thriving. This publication and others produced by Caribbean Export, seek to highlight the tireless effort being made by national governments, regional and sub-regional administration and organisations, as well as private sector actors in advancing investment, competition and innovation, among other things. The EU has been a reliable and dedicated partner in this effort, providing valuable direct and indirect technical and financial support at all levels. Over the past two decades, we have partnered with Caribbean Export in the development of the regional private sector. This partnership has included improving the environment for doing business, strengthening business support organisations, as well as assisting entrepreneurs, firms, clusters and regional industry associations. And we are not finished yet. Under the 11th EDF, the EU is providing € 102 million, for the period 2014- 2020, to the Caribbean region to continue its support specifically for regional economic cooperation and integration, including private sector development. We congratulate the Board, Management and Staff of Caribbean Export on yet another publication and look forward to continuing our successful collaboration in the future.

His Excellency Ambassador Mikael Barfod Delegation of the European Union to the Eastern Caribbean Countries, OECS, CARICOM/CARIFORUM

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