Implementation of the 10th EDF Regional Provate Sector Programme

ENHANCING COMPETITIVENESS AND PROMOTING INNOVATION

America. Awards were also presented in six other categories. The Young Exporter of the Year was awarded to a company, whose principal shareholder is no older than 35 years, and was copped by Trinidad and Tobago sleep systems manufacturer Advanced Foam Limited. The Green Exporter of the Year Award, which recognises an exporter that has invested in green technologies and integrated alternative energy solution into its operation leading to export success, went to Nand Persaud and Company Limited, a rice milling complex in Guyana whose products are on grocery shelves worldwide. From producing one ton of rice per hour in 1992, the company now has the capability of producing up to six tons of parboiled rice and eight tons of white rice per hour. The company recycles all of its rice shell to power all its machines, including paddy dryers, and is looking to expand production capacity by 10% annually. Gopex International of Suriname emerged the victor from a field of ten nominees for the Emerging Exporter of the Year award which recognises a new export business that has entered the export market over the last three years, and which is experiencing significant success. The Caribbean Export Choice Award was bestowed to the exporter who exemplifies drive and determination to export products and services globally, was claimed by SMAKS Luxury Group of Trinidad and

Tobago, producers of the world’s first tea-infused Chai Rum. The Special Award for Excellence in Service Export, which recognises an outstanding Caribbean firm whose primary area of business is the provision of services with global reach, was won by GeoTech Vision from Jamaica. Denese Palmer of Southside Distributors of Jamaica was adjudged the Female Exporter of the Year. In 2016, the CEYA was held in Barbados as a part of the Agency’s 20th Anniversary celebrations. Barbados-based theWest India Biscuit Company Limited (WIBISCO), copped the Caribbean Exporter of the Year Award. With a long history of producing quality baked biscuits and dedication to the consumers who enjoy their products, WIBISCO has grown into one of the Caribbean’s most dynamic and successful companies. The Female Exporter of the Year Award was awarded to Haitian Yve-Car Momperousse, owner of Kreyol Essence; a manufacturer of organic natural hair, skin and aromatherapy products including exotic oils, pomades, soufflés and therapeutic candles. Perishables Jamaica Ltd. was honoured as the Green Exporter of the Year for their efficient use of green technologies in the production of herbal teas that use authentic Jamaican raw materials. From their 20-acre farm, Perishables Jamaica Ltd. operate on a 15Kw Photovoltaic system, which has reduced their electricity cost by 70% since installation. The Emerging Exporter of the Year accolade was awarded to SMAKS Luxury Group of Trinidad and Tobago. The five year-old business produces a range of Caribbean-flavoured teas, and is the developer of Chai Rum, the world’s first tea- infused rum, is nowexported to seven countries across Europe. The Special Award for Excellence in Service Export was presented to Nand Persaud International Communications Inc. from Guyana. The organisation employs over 500 people, and has experienced an impressive 31% increase in export growth in the provision of a range of customer support services to their international clientele. The Agency’s Choice Award winner was 10 Saints Brewery Ltd. The Barbadian micro-brewery that has leveraged several opportunities from Caribbean Export exemplifying the great drive and determination required to successfully export products and services globally. In addition to these initiatives, Caribbean Export continually renews its emphasis on fostering environments for the successful advancement of trade and investment within the Caribbean region. A larger part of the Agency’s mandate is to offer market-penetrating opportunities for firms through a series of branded platforms for priority industries. Under the 10th EDF RPSDP, Caribbean Export launched these platforms, as well as facilitated the participation of

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