Implementation of the 10th EDF Regional Provate Sector Programme

STRENGTHENING CARIBBEAN EXPORT’S INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY

sector development strategy.

the private sector for sustainable and inclusive development. The meeting, which was held in Barbados, gathered information on the following: programmes - identification of the broad areas of intervention that are thought to be most important for the Caribbean, including sectors as well as actions (e.g. finance, technical assistance, training, etc.) that may cut across sectors. Additionally, specific areas for intervention (programmes and projects) were identified; • Targeting and implementation modalities - identification of targets (countries, sectors, groups, institutions, etc.) and modalities for implementation (e.g. programmes/projects managed by Programme Management Units in Brussels, by ACP Secretariat, international organisations, regional organisations, etc.); Intermediaries - Identification of agencies, institutions, corporations, etc. through which programme support should be channelled; and Identification of other entities (the ACP Group is European focussed and all programmes are financed by the European Commission), which can partner with the ACP in the implementation of its private • National and Regional • Potential strategic partners • Areas for strategic focus and

As a follow up to the consultation, the ACP Secretariat will complete and disseminate the private sector development strategy.

PUBLIC-PRIVATE SECTOR DIALOGUE VALIDATION MEETING

In 2014, following a request from the CARICOM Secretariat and a mandate from the Ministers of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), Caribbean Export commissioned a consultant to undertake a study examining the status of regional public-private dialogue. The study presented an analysis of the issues presented and made recommendations on the way forward for the regional private sector. Entitled Public-Private Sector Dialogue: A Roadmap for Reengagement, the study also identifies a path for a speedy return to regional public-private sector dialogue that will ensure the achievement of growth and sustainable development goals for the region. These findings were presented at the 39th Regular Meeting of COTED. In March 2015, Caribbean Export convened a validation meeting for 32 regional stakeholders to examine and discuss the findings and recommendations of this study, with the aim of achieving consensus on the way forward for regional private sector representation, and determining the next steps in implementation, including timelines, of the agreed way forward. The conclusions of the meeting were presented at the 40th Regular Meeting of COTED, in April 2015. Participants included several high-level representatives from various regional private sector advocacy organiSations, including manufacturers’ associations, industry associations, coalitions of service industries, and chambers of commerce. The meeting was a combination of plenary and sessions. • The Caribbean Business Council (CBC) should remain the best vehicle for vibrant and effective public private dialogue (PPD) in the Caribbean; • The formulation of the CBC shall be designed to achieve an early harvest of benefits, specifically an established relationship with the Caribbean Community and its institutions; • The CBC shall progress to more robust forms of organisation and PPD engagement; • The CBC should be fully functional by the end of the third quarter of 2015; • To establish a steering committee with a mandate of reviewing the constitution of the CBC within three months, reviewing good practice, such as the OECS Business Council and extra regional sources, for organising PPD, developing a business plan to guide the operations of the CBC, and s , Key decisions agreed upon by participants included that:

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