Implementation of the 10th EDF Regional Provate Sector Programme

PROMOTING TRADE AND EXPORT DEVELOPMENT

revealed that 94% of workshop participants believed that their understanding of IP and its potential for revenue generation, export and as a trade development tool has increased significantly.

The second sub-regional workshop in Jamaica, which was held from July 21- 22, 2015 in collaboration with WIPO, IDB, CARICOM OTN and the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO), was delivered on Branding and GIs in the Development of Management Strategies for OLPs. The initiative, which saw participation from 47 SMEs, as well as private and public sector organisations, was designed to build the capacity of CARIFORUM producers to identify and develop OLPs. This session built on the previous training undertaken in Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize and the Dominican Republic, and sought to increase the understanding and utilisation of IP rights as a trade development tool, by government and private sector. Respondents from both workshops found that the initiative met their expectations, with the majority citing that the sessions provided them with the opportunity to strengthen their awareness about the importance of GIs and OLPs, as a part of product diversification. Further, 94% of the respondents provided positive ratings for the structure, content, delivery, and logistical aspects of the workshops. In addition to working through various topics under IP, GIs, OLPs, and branding, the participants also benefitted from networking opportunities and the sharingof experienceswith thedifferent stakeholder organisations presenting and attending the workshop. To date, under the 10th EDF RPSDP, 200 regional firms have participated in IP training workshops. A programme assessment

Strengthening the Capacity of CARIFORUM BSOs

As a precursor to the implementation of theMarket Intelligence training for firms, Caribbean Export the delivered Regional Trade Information Training Programme (RTITP) to BSOs in 2013 and 2014. The RTITP was developed to provide these support organisations with tools essential to the provision of market intelligence, focusing on the development of a trade information service plan, conducting market research and competiveness intelligence, and developing market pointers. These organisations are now in the position to provide enhanced trade information services to exporters and thewider private sector using awide variety of existing tools and data sources. To date, Caribbean Export has implemented RTITPs to thirty-six (36) BSOs across all 15 CARIFORUM countries. Caribbean Export also delivered training in trade and business intelligence (TBI) with the aim of building the capacity of BSOs to provide enhanced services in this area to their members and clients. Building on the successful execution of the RTITP, the training of trainers programme in TBI is targeted officers in charge of business information services in TPOs, business associations and other support organisations involved in searching, processing or disseminating trade information. Participation in this programme not only demonstrates the commitment of regional BSOs and TPOs in the further development their trade and business information research skills on a personal level, but also alludes to their willingness to continue providing regional exporters with high quality information and the overall improvement of their information dissemination efforts. The RTITP has had a significant impact on beneficiaries to date. Notable achievements include the ability of participating BSOs to access trade information efficiently, the acquisition of new technical and market research skills, and the creation of market briefs for clients and members. BSO beneficiaries have also trained 133 private sector clients subsequent to undertaking training in trade information, as well as create 52 market pointers on request from members. Additionally, 32% of the BSOs surveyed noted their contribution resulted in 53% of their clients entering new markets.

63