Trade Watch V8 No 2 Mar-Apr 2014

TRAINING & CERTIFICATION FOR CAPACITY BUILDING

ProNET Training Continues Across the Region Caribbean Export continues the roll out of its flagship training programme, the Productivity Network (ProNET) in partnership with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The agencies are committed to improving the basic business skills of SMEs, as a vehicle to increase productivity and competitiveness. The eventual goal of the training is to make regional firms export ready and positioned to take advantage of the opportunities available under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). These objectives are in keeping with the institutional goal of enhancing private sector development to create an enabling environment for businesses, and are directly related to Caribbean Export’s mandate under the EU’s 10th Euorpean Development Fund (EDF). On April 28-30, 2014 the Agency also hosted ProNET training in Trinidad and Tobago in collaboration with Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association (TTMA). This session focused on Resource Management and Quality Management. ProNET has become a hugely popular suite of intensive programmes and the Agency’s seminal developmental intervention attracting firms from across the region. ProNET will continue to be available across the region through collaborations with national Business Support Organisations. For additional information or to participate in ProNET, contact Kevin Jones, Advisor, Competitiveness and Innovation at kjones@ carib-export.com or visit www.carib-export.com/events. (TW)

ProNET is a modular training programme designed specifically for manufacturing enterprises that want to improve the competitiveness and export-readiness. The programme aims to increase productivity and profitability in SMEs, allowing owners and managers to operate their businesses more efficiently and effectively. The programme consists of 9 modules which cover Business Strategy, Quality Management, Production Management, Management of Resources, Product Development, Information and Knowledge Management, Human Resource Management, Cost and Financial Management, and Export Marketing. The workshops are conducted across the region by 27 specially certified trainers who are experts in their designated fields in both English and Spanish. From 2012-2013, ProNET has seen participation from two hundred ninety-seven (297) SMEs. Additionally, for the first time, the Agency in partnership with the Grand Bahama Port Authority has commenced a 3 part series of ProNET in Freeport enabling registered businesses to sign-up and participate in training over a period of three months. The first session was held on March 25-26 on the Business Strategy module focusing on profitability, competitive advantage, customer strategy and product strategy. The following sessions were held on April 28-30 and May 27-29 and covered cost and financial management and export marketing respectively.

Participants in ProNET Training viewing product samples on display during the session

Facilitators and organisers of ProNET pose for group photo after training session

A short documentary featuring three entrepreneurs who are looking to shape and innovate how the Caribbean uses sustainable energy. The documentary reveals each person’s story and motivation for embarking on their projects and what they hope to achieve. Coming soon to a station near you.

10 Tradewatch • The Official E-Newsletter of the Caribbean Export Development Agency • Vol. 8 No. 2 March - April 2014