Implementation of the 10th EDF Regional Provate Sector Programme

PROMOTING TRADE AND EXPORT DEVELOPMENT

Subsequent to the presentation and ensuing discussions, a number of radio stations signalled their interest in carrying the radio series as a part of their programming, and follow up meetings with these stations have been scheduled. Further, new relationships with regional media representatives were established, and it is anticipated that this will facilitate the Agency in communicating with regional exporters in the future. As it relates to results under Market Intelligence, during the period under review, 215 firms have accessed Caribbean Export’s market intelligence system through the Online Business Information Centre (OBIC), and 31 BSOs are currently making use of information available therein. Further, 195 requests have been fielded by the Caribbean Exporter’s helpdesk which takes in account email, telephone, and face-to-face requests. Overall, under the 10th EDF RPSDP, Caribbean Export has commissioned the following studies, which are also available within the Agency’s market intelligence system: • Agro-Processing Study on EU Market Entry Requirements • Assessment of the Tariff Principles and Practices of CMOs and to Recommend a Regional Tariffs System for the Caribbean • Assessment of Framework and Opportunities for Enhancing Export Trade between Guyana-Suriname-Brasil • Business Opportunities for CARICOM Firms in the Dominican Republic • Export Value for Music Industry including IP Value • Feasibility Study for a Haitian Design Production Centre; • Feasibility Study on Proposed Financial Services Secretariat; • Feasibility Study on the Establishment of a Technical Management Unit in the FCORs • Legal Opinion on the Imposition of the Octroi de Mer by the French Caribbean Outermost Regions on Products Originating from CARIFORUM States • Market Assessment of CARICOM Private Sector Opportunities • Market Assessments in Select Niche Sectors and EU countries • Market Research Study for Caribbean Health and Wellness Tourism Sector • Public-Private Dialogue: A Roadmap for Re-Engagement • Shipping And Freight Transportation within the Caribbean Region • Towards a Strategy for the CARIFORUM Higher Education Sector • Incentive Benchmark Study for CARIFORUM • Investor Perception Survey for CARIFORUM • Intellectual Property Roadmap for CARIFORUM Countries

Caribbean Export Radio Series - Pulse of the Caribbean During the period October 24-27, 2016, Caribbean Export attended the Caribbean Broadcasting Union’s (CBU) 47th Annual General Assembly in Cuba, to introduce and launch the Pulse of the Caribbean radio series to regional media houses and stakeholders. The objective of the intervention was to educate the regional media about the work of Caribbean Export, and to present the radio series to participants in order to secure buy-in to carry the programme on their respective networks. The occasion was also used togatherfeedbacktoinformproduction and the programme’s success. Pulse of the Caribbean is a part of a comprehensive communications strategy that has been developed and implemented to raise the public profile of Caribbean Export, as well as facilitate the promotion of trade and exports in CARIFORUM States. The regional media has a key role in supporting the Agency to fulfill its objectives and can be used to cultivate the fostering of an export-focused regional private sector. As such this programme is designed to: • Raise the profile of trade and export with the mass market • Foster a export-led private sector • Increase exports from the Caribbean • Increase the utilization of the CARIFORUM-EU EPA

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