Primed for Success Volume 3

Foreword

Caribbean Export is the only regional trade and investment promotion agency in the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group, and as such we shoulder the responsibility of fulfilling our mission to provide export development and investment promotion assistance to support companies in the region, thereby increasing the competitiveness of the region internationally. We believe that through the facilitation of innovation and the creation of world-class brands that compete globally, the Caribbean will realize the true value of its export potential. Under the European Union’s (EU) 10th European Development Fund (EDF) Regional Private Sector Development Programme (RPSDP) we have been privileged to undertake a number of initiatives within the Forum of Caribbean States (CARIFORUM), which have contributed to the success of regional businesses and allowed them to achieve an international audience. Among these initiatives is the flagship funding programme, the Direct Assistance Grant Scheme (DAGS). This facility has allowed many regional companies across a wide variety of sectors, from agro-processing to tourism, to export their products and services to external markets. The Agency has also delivered training and certification programmes, facilitated the participation of firms in regional and international trade missions, and provided the opportunity for increased networking with potential clients and partners through a gamut of programme-based activities. In order to achieve our goals, we continue to work diligently to ensure the delivery of these programme activities that serve to help businesses and entrepreneurs overcome the recognised constraints of the current global economic climate. Our team of technical advisors and consultants operate across a number of industries providing advice, technical assistance and financial support to businesses, Governments and Business Support Organisations. This year, Caribbean Export celebrates the achievements of some of our beneficiaries in this the third edition of Primed for Success. We introduce this dynamic range of companies, from a variety of sectors that have benefitted from the opportunities offered by the Agency as evidence that the region has great potential to increase exports to external markets, in both the regional and international spheres. It is our hope that we are able to reach out to even more companies in the upcoming years, and in so doing, achieve growth in the regional economy. We hope you enjoy this issue of Primed for Success and the stories inspire you to follow others in creating internationally recognised and quality Caribbean brands.

Pamela Coke Hamilton Executive Director The Caribbean Export Development Agency

Primed for Success / Vol. 3 / 2014-2015

www.carib-export.com

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