Implementation of the 10th EDF Regional Provate Sector Programme

ASSUMPTIONS AND RISKS

proposal writing, market intelligence, and productivity network (ProNET), among others. Our beneficiaries have participated annually in regional trade missions such as Dominicana Moda (DM),HavanaInternationalFair(FIHAV), Femmes Créatíon & Production Trade Fair, and the Trade and Investment Convention (TIC). Firms have also attended international trade shows including Study Tours to South America and Europe, in addition to missions under Caribbean Export branded platforms including Design Caribbean, Caribbean Essence, Caribbean Kitchen, Soul Fusion, and Break Point. With each intervention, Caribbean Export aims to optimise the export potential of regional entrepreneurs, as well as highlight the investment potential of the Caribbean to the international community.

In order for the 10th EDF RPSDP work programme to be implemented successfully, it is vital that certain assumptions hold constant. While the requisite groundwork has been undertaken to justify the demand for, and relevance of this work programme, cognizance must be taken of the assumptions as listed: • SMEs and BSOs have the limited capacity to prepare and submit grant proposals; • CARIFORUM countries and SMEs are interested in expanding their trade and exports; • Countries should have a stable economic and political framework; • Continued Member States’ support and commitment; • CARIFORUM countries, FCORs and OCTs are committed to enhancing cooperation with a view to improving trade and investment opportunities amongst the parties; • The Joint CARIFORUM/FCOR/OCT Task Force will continue to play an important role in promoting trade and investment between the parties; • CARIFORUM countries and their SMEs are interested in collaborating with the view to enhancing trade and investment between the parties; • The CARICOM/DR Business Forum will continue to be a platform for dialogue and exchange between the Parties to that Agreement; • Caribbean Export has the capacity to retain its technical expertise; • Resources are available to the Agency to ensure successful implementation of the programme in a timely manner.

Likewise, consideration must be given to the following:

• There is the risk that Governments will not prioritise the recommendations emanating from programme interventions. • There is the risk that intermediary organisations do not allocate the requisite resources to engage their constituents and thus are unable to reach the ultimate beneficiaries of Caribbean Export’s work programme.

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