Caribbean Export OUTLOOK 3rd Edition

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n my capacity as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Caribbean Export, I acknowledge with appreciation, the continued funding provided by the European Union (EU), and its commitment as a development partner in support of the vital programmes which Caribbean Export continues to promote, and implement in member countries across the region, to boost the drive for economic resilience. Since the last publication, the Agency, and the CARIFORUM Region, have transitioned from the 10 th European Development Fund (EDF) Regional Private Sector Development Programme (RPSDP) to the 11 th EDF RPSDP, which has at its core, market penetration, supply chain and intelligence frameworks, increased access to finance, the promotion of green energy and energy efficiency, as key factors in lowering costs, and more targeted approaches to enhancing firm capacity. As the region’s trade and investment agency, Caribbean Export continues to play a pivotal role in working with the fifteen CARIFORUM member countries, to improve the capacity of companies to compete successfully in a dynamic global market. The continued EU-funded private sector development programme has enabled Caribbean Export to provide additional SME financing under the Direct Assistance Grants Scheme to a wide range of firms. The grant's initiative has served as a catalyst to improve the competitiveness and export capacity of a significant number of companies, thereby positioning them to better seize the opportunities available under the CARIFORUM- EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). Another recent strategic programme - WE-Xport, is an exciting and forward-looking initiative launched in March of this year, with the aim of supporting women- owned businesses in exporting their products and services primarily to the EU. In this edition, the 20WE-Xport firms will be highlighted and I encourage you to support them as they move forward in this intensive programme. This is another Caribbean Export initiative intended to boost the capacity of regional economic operators to take advantage of the benefits associated with the EPA. On behalf of the Board I extend most sincere thanks and appreciation to the departing Executive Director, Ms. Coke-Hamilton, who has pioneered the conceptualization of this publication, and who has made an outstanding contribution to the success of the Agency. I would also like to thank the Deputy Executive Director and the entire team of professionals at Caribbean Export for their consistent and dedicated service to the region. I trust that you will find the articles in this publication enriching and enlightening.

MESSAGE FROM THE Chairman Of The Board

CECI LE HUMPHREY

Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade, Barbados and Chairman of the Board of Directors, The Caribbean Export Development Agency

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