Impact Study: UNESCO-Aschberg Programme for Artists and Cultural Professionals

The EPA and Cultural Protocol could become important drivers of economic development for the Caribbean’s cultural industries. Thanks to its provisions, multiple initiatives focused on training and trade missions have taken place, resulting in: technical training for cultural creators; direct contact with international buyers of cultural goods and services; and exposure to the expectations of global consumers of culture. The Caribbean is, and can remain, an attractive market for local creators. At the same time, success in global markets will generate exponential results in financial and social areas for many stakeholders. Success in a globalized economy is not a zero-sumgame. As tradebarriers decrease, opportunitiesmultiply for stakeholders with creative and technical capacities. From its inception, the EPA has recognized that the creative capacity of the Caribbean has always been a reality. However, many of its provisions, including EPA provisions on services export, such as concessions for independent professionals and artists, are pending. Without a doubt, current and potential EPA Cultural Protocol beneficiaries are encouraging further negotiations (e.g. co-productionagreements) andadministrative measures (e.g. visa facilities for promotional purposes or facilities for contractual services). We welcome the Joint Special Committee on services within the EPA and eagerly look for further progress. This will inevitably lead to more benefits and more opportunities for the Caribbean. Carlos Delgado-Imbert Cultural Industries Consultant, NEX Consulting, Dominican Republic

41 Culture in the CARIFORUM-EU EPA