Primed for Success Volume 3

EU Delegation’s Message

The European Union is pleased, as always, to collaborate with the Caribbean Export Development Agency. Over the last 18 years, the European Union has worked alongside Caribbean Export in facilitating the growth and development of the Caribbean region’s private sector. This is translated into the enhancement of the export and investment capacity of private sector firms throughout the 15 CARIFORUM countries. Since 2011, under the 10th European Development Fund, we have invested €28.3 million into a Regional Private Sector Development Programme through the Caribbean Export. This assistance is focused on the implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) - a priority area for the EU. As outlined in the Joint EU-Caribbean Partnership Strategy, it also meets the objective for the development of enterprise through private sector investments particularly in the services sectors and agro-business and manufacturing. To this end, Caribbean Export has been working successfully with a number of sectors such as Agro- processing, Alternative Energy, Creative Industries, Financial Services, Health & Wellness, Manufacturing, Professional Services, Specialized Tourism, Specialty Foods, and Sports Tourism. In working to enhance competitiveness and promote innovation among private sector firms in the Region, Caribbean Export has completed or initiated activities focused on the development of a regional investment promotion strategy, training and capacity building for investment promotion agencies (IPAs) and participation in investment missions and meetings. Specifically, the Regional Investment Promotion Strategy (RIPS) and Implementation Plan, which Caribbean Export and CAIPA has developed seeks to position the Caribbean as an ideal location for investment. This regional approach to investment promotion is aimed at attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) with the intended impacts of increased visibility and greater investor attention to the region, as it represents a larger market. It is also envisaged that such an approach would encourage regional production hubs and regional production networks. Data shows that at the end of 2013, 123 IPA representatives participated in FDI-related events resulting in over 14 solid leads. Eleven IPAs also effected significant changes in their investment facilitation systems with assistance for the completion of action plans. It is tangible results such as these, many more of which will be highlighted in this edition, which re-enforces theCaribbean as a viable and vibrant region for iternational trade and investment. The EU remains committed to continue its cooperation with Caribbean Export as the only regional organization specializing in Export Development and Promotion. We congratulate the successful beneficiaries highlighted in this edition and hope that they will inspire other private sector entities across the region! Thank you. His Excellency Ambassador Mikael Barfod Head of Delegation Delegation of the European Union to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean

Primed for Success / Vol. 3 / 2014-2015

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