Caribbean Export OUTLOOK 2016 - 2017

6 43 contents 2 www.carib-export.com Message from the Chairperson of the Board 7 Message from the Executive Director 8 Message from the Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the Eastern Caribbean Countries, OECS, CARICOM/CARIFORUM pulse of the caribbean 12 Examining the Region’s Export Performance 16 The Bahamas: A Sustainable Recovery at Last? 18 Barbados: Exploring New Economic Pathways 20 Suriname: Can the Existing Economic Model Endure? 22 Dominican Republic: Achieving Sustainable Growth 24 Perspectives on the Caribbean Region: Conversations with a Prime Minister 30 The Role of the Caribbean Private Sector in Ensuring Economic Sustainability trade & export hot spots 34 Doing Business in Cuba 38 Specific Market Opportunities for Trade with Cuba 42 A Regional Strategy for Capitalising on Opportunities in China 46 Company to Look Out for: Gopex International N.V. 48 Heading South: Unlocking Opportunities for Caribbean Musicians in Brazil our competitive advantage 54 Fine Cocoa: Strengthening the Sector on the Supply Side through Innovation 58 Caribbean Fine Flavoured Cocoa: A Global Niche? 62 Company to Look Out for: Southside Distributors Limited 64 New Cayman Islands Hospital Changing Caribbean Healthcare 70 Is Compliance for Caribbean IFCs Approaching the Tipping Point? 72 A Quest from the NewWorld: Accessing NewMarkets and Avenues for Caribbean Musical Acts 76 Building the Machel Montano Brand 80 Shaggy: The Man, the Musician, and the Maestro 15 34