Trade Watch - July 2014

Official E-Newsletter of the Caribbean Export Development Agency

VOL. 8 NO. 3 JULY, 2014

Caribbean Export Hosts FCOR/OCT Business Forum

Mr. Johann Moxam, President, Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce delivering remarks during the Business Forum

As a continuation of its mandate to facilitate the development of a trade and commerce relationship among CARIFORUM States, the French Caribbean Outermost Regions (FCORs) and EU Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs), the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) hosted a Business Forum for private sector firms from these territories and other public and private sector stakeholders.

This mandate has become a focus within the Agency as it aims to create a regional brand which encompasses its many strengths and resources. The forum was conceptualized and realized in order to open dialogue between CARIFORUM States and their neighbours, with whom, despite their close proximity and the establishment of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in 2008, there has been limited interaction. The day of meetings took place in Grand Cayman on June 25, 2014.

The Agency sponsored the participation of 45 firms in the Forum through the Regional Private Sector Programme (RPSDP) funded by the European Union (EU) under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF).

The companies participated in a series of business to business (B2B) meetings, which enabled direct interaction between the firms and the OCTs present. It was hoped that this rare opportunity for face-to-face

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Business Forum participants reviewing product samples during the B2B session

engagement would be the catalyst for potential partnership between territories, which would enable them to take advantage of the untapped resources which these countries represent. Caribbean Export has conducted studies which reveal that, because of the political ties and preferential agreements between the bodies, FCORs and OCTs import the vast majority of their goods and services from Europe.

The ultimate aim of the Forum, and other such initiatives under the RPSDP, is for CARIFORUM States to become a viable alternative for FCOR/OCT needs such as raw materials, tourism, contract manufacturing in the agro-processing and industrial sectors, as well as financial and professional services. This would not only benefit the CARIFORUM States, but also to alleviate the significant financial burden, which such hefty imports would incur. Caribbean Export and its implementing partners have set the foundation for these possibilities by providing the opportunity for enterprises from across the region to raise awareness about their products and simultaneously learn more about the demands and preferences of the markets which they wish to enter.

In addition to the networking and potential for partnership, the Forum also afforded those present with the opportunity to examine and evaluate the barriers to trade, which still exists and the common

Tradewatch • The Official E-Newsletter of the Caribbean Export Development Agency •

A section of the audience listens to presentations during the CARIFORUM/FCOR/ OCT Business Forum

developmental challenges that territories are facing in the establishments of sustainable trade relations. All parties were able to gain an understanding of preventative trade issues being faced and to collectively brainstorm creative solutions.

To conclude the day’s proceedings, the firms were given a guided tour of Cayman Enterprise City (CEC). CEC was established in 2012 as the Caribbean’s first special economic zone. The technology and information-based model is one which was designed to attract international companies to the unique advantages of investment in the Caribbean context. This concept follows in the blueprint of offshore banking and franchising which has been extremely successful particularly in the Cayman Islands.

Continued on Page 2

In this Issue Pg 2

EXPORT DEVELOPMENT Food Safety Preparedness Meeting and MOU Signing

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FOSTERING PARTNERSHIPS 9th CARIFORUM/FCOR/OCT Task Force Meeting

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INVESTMENT PROMOTION CAIPA participates in UNCTAD Green FDI Workshop

Pg 17 OPPORTUNITIES

Caribbean Export Opportunities

Vol. 8 No. 3 July 2014

EXPORT DEVELOPMENT Continued from Page 1 CEC enables entrepreneurs and established businesses to set up physical operations in Cayman without exorbitant outsourcing costs, due to Cayman’s tax-neutral status and government-granted special zone concessions. To date, the model has attracted 150 firms set up generating foreign direct investment and the accompanying multiplier effect on the local economy has resulted in an estimated CI$15 million impact on the local economy. (TW)

Food Safety Preparedness Meeting and MOU Signing The specialty food industry has become recognised as having major growth and export revenue-generating potential. The unique offerings made possible by use of the natural resources of the Caribbean’s tropical climate appeal to the palates of consumers in niche markets both regionally and extra-regionally.

Many products produced in the Caribbean have mass market appeal and enjoy relative success on the global market. However, the majority of agro-processing products have been limited in their export capability and reach by various factors such as packaging, marketing and food safety requirements. Caribbean Export recognized these challenges, and, as part of its 10th EDF RPSDP, has endeavoured to address them. As a manifestation of this mandate, the Agency launched three key initiatives during its Food Safety Preparedness Meeting on May 28, 2014 at the Hilton Barbados Resort.

The meeting’s agenda encompassed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and the CARICOM Regional Organisation of Standards and Quality (CROSQ), the opening of a Special Call for Proposals – Food Safety for CARIFORUM agro-processing firms to receive financial assistance, and the launch of the Agency’s newly developed online Food Safety Portal.

Caribbean Export’s Executive Director, Pamela Coke-Hamilton opened the morning’s proceedings with an informative address on the history and context of the Food Safety Preparedness Programme. She also highlighted the intention of the MoU stating that it “sets the platform for cooperation to take place with the aim of ensuring that fresh foods and agro-processed products are produced under standard quality control conditions within the CARIFORUM States so that they meet the sanitary and technical regulatory requirements of the international marketplace.”

Pamela Coke Hamilton, Executive Director, Caribbean Export; Mr Russell Franklyn, Officer in Charge, CROSQ; Mr Gregg C. E. Rawlins Representative in Trinidad and Tobago and Coordinator, Regional Integration, Caribbean Region, IICA; Dr Beverley Wood, Project Coordinator, National Agriculture Health and Food Control Programme, Ministry of Agriculture looks on.

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The development of the Food Safety Preparedness Programme has been on-going since January 2010, when Caribbean Export received USD$1 million from the Caribbean Aid for Trade and Regional Integration Trust Fund (CARTFund), funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID), to finance a 2-year project aimed at strengthening the Specialty Food Sector and increasing the export of specialty food products from CARIFORUM countries. The first phase of the project was a study to determine the priority actions needed to address the major constraints to expanding the sector, which resulted in the development of a Regional Specialty Food Sector Strategy and Action Plan.

The MoU among the three regional agencies is intended to establish a formal framework for collaboration on matters relating to global food safety export requirements. More specifically, the agreement aims to facilitate the sharing of information on the respective work programmes of the parties to determine strategic areas of cooperation; while operating in good faith on the dissemination of information pertaining to food safety to stakeholders in the CARIFORUM States. It is hoped that ultimately this collaboration will benefit the wider agro-business community fresh food exporters in particular.

The second launch was for the Special Call for Proposals Food Safety which was conceptualised to provide funding for CARIFORUM agro-processing firms, which are aiming to meet food safety requirements for global export, in particular those of the EU market. The programme provides reimbursable grants of up to 10,000 euros which should represent a maximum of 70% of the total project cost of the firm’s intended food safety preparedness project.

The final launch was the Food Safety Portal, the development of which was made possible by funding from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) under the CARTFund Programme with financing from DFID. The portal is intended to act as a comprehensive database of information and support tools to enable the regional Specialty Food sector to prepare their products for the rigorous food safety requirements for export to the EU and United States (US).The portal provides the proactive entrepreneur with the tools to benchmark his or her firm and its readiness for export and consequently develop a preparedness plan. The regional Agro-processing sector in general will also benefit as the site provides simple and concrete steps for satisfying food safety requirement for export which could be utilized by industrial support organizations.(TW)

Tradewatch • The Official E-Newsletter of the Caribbean Export Development Agency •

Vol. 8 No. 3 July 2014

EXPORT DEVELOPMENT

CAFEIN Meeting on SPS and overcoming Technical Barriers to Trade A major part of Caribbean Export’s mandate under the 10th EDF RPSDP, is support of the implementation and full exploitation of the CARIFORUM-EU EPA with the region. The EPA is designed to create the kind of enabling environment necessary for mutually beneficial trade between CARIFORUM and Europe. However, in order to take full advantage of the benefits of this relationship, regional firms must be equipped with the knowledge of and capacity to implement, the stipulated requirements of export to the EU. Caribbean Export and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) have been working in close partnership in order to ensure that regional small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and business support organisation (BSOs) are provided with access to the requisite information and training to enable them to be viable and strong competitors on a global scale. One of the most recent ways in which Caribbean Export and GIZ have gone about executing this mandate is through a CARIFORUM- EPA Implementation Network (CAFEIN) Meeting on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) and overcoming Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) which was held at the Hilton Barbados Resort from May 26-27, 2014.

This Symposium was convened in response to the growing concern over the ability of regional firms to conform to the safety requirements and trade stipulations of EU import, particularly with the context of the EPA. Food safety remains one of the major barriers to regional private sector expansion and export. The stringent regulations pose a challenge for private sector enterprises, as well as supporting bodies as they aim to successfully implement effective policies and procedures to best conform to these regulations. The EPA, having very strong developmental components, seeks on only to encourage trade between the EU and CARIFORUM States, but also to develop the region’s competitiveness on a global level. It order to achieve the goal of a highly developed, unified and functional Caribbean brand, collaborative effort is necessary from both the private sector and the public sector under a unified vision.

The meeting, which took a workshop format, was an opportunity for stakeholders from both the private sector and public sector to engage in dialogue on these challenges at a national and regional level and to formulate implementable action plans to alleviate them.

The first day of meetings focused on SPS while the second day’s proceedings revolved around the peculiar challenges which TBT pose.

Each day consisted of presentations, panel discussions, strategic meetings and break-out sessions which allowed regional stakeholders to interact intimately and collaborate on the formulate of the action plan.

Dialogue was centred specifically on increasing awareness of the EPA, SPS and TBT; assessing the needs of SMEs and supporting organizations necessity to augment the capacity of firms to comply with SPS and TBT, and examining related opportunities in the Caribbean context while staying mindful of the unique challenges of the regional context. Particularly in the context of EPA Implementation Unit’s (EIU’s), there was a push to create awareness of on-going projects and opportunities and to foster a more communicative culture among implementing partners and regional stakeholders.(TW)

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Tradewatch • The Official E-Newsletter of the Caribbean Export Development Agency •

Vol. 8 No. 3 July 2014

FOSTERING PARTNERSHIPS

9th Meeting of the CARIFORUM-FCORs-OCTs Task Force on Trade and Investment Caribbean Export’s vision for a self-sufficient and globally competitive private sector is one which is inclusive of all the region’s resources, regardless of the territories from which they originate. In order to realize this vision, the Agency continues its efforts at the economic integration of the CARIFORUM territories which it represents with the FCORs and OCTs. As such, Caribbean Export convened its 9th Meeting of the CARIFORUM-FCORs-OCTs Task Force on Trade and Investment in Grand Cayman from June 26-27, 2014. The meeting, which brought together members of government and leaders in the private sector, followed a highly successfully business forum which provided a platform for CARIFORUM, FCOR and OCT private sector firms to engage in business to business meetings, thus stimulating exchanges on trade and investment amongst the territories.

These exchanges were crucial to the strengthening of the linkages which, up until now, have been lacking amongst the territories. Despite their close proximity, and the existence of a number of trade tariffs and agreements, most significantly the EPA, commerce and investment among the territories has remained largely unexploited. This lack of development may be due to the fact that a number of barriers to trade still exist among the territories. The forum presented the opportunity for members of the private sector to discuss these challenges and to build on the linkages made during the business forum.

The Agency also led discussions on the establishment of a Technical Management Unit (TMU). This unit would provide assistance to exporters from CARIFORUM States that wish to enter the French Caribbean Market and also to assist French

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David Gomez, Manager Trade and Export Development, Caribbean Export delivers remarks during the Task Force meeting

Caribbean Exporters with exploring trade opportunities within the CARIFORUM region. Regional BSOs are already highly instrumental in this market research and export preparation process and have already begun assisting CARIFORUM firms to export to FCORs. However, Caribbean Export is aware that they face challenges in doing and therefore the TMU is intended to address issues such as the provision of market research and intelligence in doing business in the FCORs; assist with meeting language and cultural requirements; identify key contacts and the coordination of trade fairs and market visits to facilitate buyer/seller contacts.(TW)

Tradewatch • The Official E-Newsletter of the Caribbean Export Development Agency •

Vol. 8 No. 3 July 2014

INVESTMENT PROMOTION

Caribbean Export Contributes to CFI Donation Caribbean Export continued its efforts to support the attraction of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) through the provision of office equipment to Haitian investment promotion agency (IPA), Centre for Facilitation of Investments of Haiti (CFI). The Agency made the presentation to CFI along with its funding partners the Delegation of the European Union in Haiti, the European Development Fund (BONFED) and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Haiti on May 27, 2014 at the Centre’s headquarters in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

Deputy Director of the Haiti-Dominican Republic Binational Programme at the sub-regional office of Caribbean Export, Yolette Azor, presented the donation to CFI General Director, Norma Powell on behalf of the Agency and its partners. Ambassador Javier Nino Perez, Head of the Delegation of the European Union in Haiti, together with Jean Edner Nelson, National Authorizing Officer (NAO) in Haiti for the European Development Fund (BONFED) and M. Frank LAORSE, Director of Foreign Trade from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Haiti were also in attendance.

The CFI had been experiencing a negative impact on its productivity and efficiency due to lack of basic functioning material resources. As the Agency aims to compete with global IPAs and to satisfy the rigorous communication demands of the modern context, the lack of resources was identified as a major barrier. Constant communication and dissemination of information is critical to the evolution and success of IPAs, particularly in emerging markets such as the Caribbean. The donation, which has an approximate value of USD$50,000 and comprised of desktops, UPS, laptops, tablets, printers, scanners and portable projectors, is hoped to alleviate some of these challenges.

The complement of technology is also intended to enhance CFI’s technological platform and the computer literacy of its staff in accordance with the standards of today’s industry. In particular, the initiative is specifically aimed at strengthening the department of investment promotion to be able to offer investors adequate services to facilitate the establishment and the expansion of FDI in the country.

From Left: Yolette Azor, Deputy Director of the Haiti-Dominican Republic Binational programme; Ambassador Javier Nino Perez, Head of the EU Delegation Haiti; Norma Powell, CFI Gerneral Director; and Jean Edner Nelson, NAO in Haiti during the ceremony

Deputy Director Yolette Azor giving remarks during the presentation ceremony

The donation of the equipment constitutes a part of the Trade Component of Caribbean Export’s Haiti-Dominican Republic Binational Programme, funded by the EU in the framework of the 10th EDF. The purpose of the programme is to facilitate cooperation between the public and private sectors of each country in order to strengthen trade, investment promotion, customs, and more generally, the private sectors of both countries”.(TW)

Keep up to date with news, events and opportunities on the following social media outlets: Email: info@carib-export.com Web: www.carib-export.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/Caribbean.Export Twitter: www.twitter.com/CaribXport Youtube: www.youtube.com/TheCaribbeanExport

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Tradewatch • The Official E-Newsletter of the Caribbean Export Development Agency •

Vol. 8 No. 3 July 2014

INVESTMENT PROMOTION

Caribbean Export and CAIPA Push Green FDI through UNCTAD Workshop

Participants of the UNCTAD Green FDI Workshop

Green initiatives have been recognized as critical to the socio-economic and environmental sustainability of the Caribbean region. An environmentally conscious blueprint is paramount to the formation of self-sufficient enterprises, which not only are economically viable but have long term growth potential. Establishing a relationship with foreign investors can be a beneficial component in the development of this blueprint.

It was with this in mind, that the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) conceptualised and organised a workshop to inform regional IPAs on the best means of attracting this crucial support. Caribbean Export, in partnership with the Caribbean Association of Investment Promotional agencies (CAIPA), facilitated the participation of representatives from the IPAs of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) in this workshop, officially entitled “The Regional Workshop on Fostering Green FDI Opportunity in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)”. The symposium, which attracted the participation of 50 representatives from 25 LAC territories, took place in Bogota, Colombia from May 6-8, 2014.

The region’s IPAs are taking proactive measures to ensure that they remain relevant and competitively equipped to attract FDI, which might otherwise go to other regions in the world, for example to Emirates. The agencies under CAIPA in particular have been involved in several Caribbean Export interventions aimed at foreign direct investment promotion.

Agencies represented at the workshop included the Antigua & Barbuda Investment Authority (ABIA), Investment and Development Corporation Suriname (IDCS), the Grenada Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC), Centre for Export and Investment in the Dominican Republic (CEI-RD), CFI Haiti, St. Kitts Investment Promotion Agency (SKIPA), the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), the Ministry of Economic Development for Curacao, Invest in Trinidad and Tobgo (invesTT) and the National Investment Promotion Agency for St Lucia (Invest Saint Lucia).

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According to the Financial Times, in 2013 US$13.3bn was invested in the LAC region for sustainable resource development; approximately 90% of these projects were based in Latin American. This data, as noted

by Executive Director, Pamela Coke Hamilton, “highlights the significant room for growth that is available to the Caribbean in this sector.” The region as a whole possesses remarkable natural resources, which have the potential for use in renewable energy initiatives. The onus is not only on the private and public sector entities that design the mechanisms to take advantage of these resources to market them, but also on the IPAs of the region to seek financial support for these innovative initiatives.

The sessions proved to be highly informative, remaining relevant to the Caribbean context and taking into consideration the specific challenges which investment promotion agencies face. Content included presentations on the best practices for FDI attraction into the renewable energy sector. Examples were cited from the operational approaches of agencies such as CENER, the Renewable Energy Centre in Spain, the Portland Development Commission of Oregon in the USA and ApexBrasil, who have attained tremendous financial endorsement for their projects.

In addition, the benchmarks for a successful promotional strategy were established using examples from renewable energy investors, such as the Acciona Group and Juwi Energías Renovables. From these presentations, the participants were able to ascertain the current global trends in low carbon investment and techniques on shaping the promotion strategy for an IPA. This new knowledge informed the interactive session and group exercises in which the participants engaged. The salient points were then concretized by case studies and discussions with investors on their decision-making processes. Finally, the participants were made familiar with the infrastructure of renewable energy centres through site visits and tours.

Renewable energy and sustainable business models are of priority focus for the IPAs in the Caribbean given the financial barriers to establishing renewable energy centres the region due to exorbitant operational costs. Caribbean Export and CAIPA continue to collaborate on interventions which will strengthen the capacity of their members to attract FDI to the region, and also to firmly establish the Caribbean region as an ideal location for green FDI investments.(TW)

Tradewatch • The Official E-Newsletter of the Caribbean Export Development Agency •

Vol. 8 No. 3 July 2014

INVESTMENT PROMOTION

CINEX Launches in Curacao The Curacao Investment and Export Development Agency (CINEX) became the most recent addition to the CAIPA members when the Ministry of Economic Development of Curacao launched the Agency on May 12, 2014, at the Curacao Marriott Resort and Emerald Casino. Caribbean Export, as the CAIPA Secretariat, joined a number of other stakeholders in extending congratulations to the Ministry, which has been a member of CAIPA since its genesis. The Honourable Stanley Palm, Minister of Economic Development of Curacao, presided over the event during which the new agency logo and website were unveiled along with the government’s plans to host representative offices in the USA, China, and Holland and bilateral Chambers of Commerce in Brazil, Colombia, and Panama.

CAIPA was created in 2007, in an effort to conglomerate the IPAs of the region under one umbrella, thus providing support for these important institutions. The Association now represents IPAs from 19 Caribbean countries. Caribbean Export has worked with CAIPA to facilitate the participation of its members in Caribbean Export programme-based activities, which have been designed to strengthen the agencies’ strategy and capacity to attract FDI to the region. Caribbean Export provides administrative support, financial management, as well as support in the form of technical assistance and advisory services to the member IPAs. In his opening remarks, Minister Stanley Palm expressed his belief that CINEX will play are crucial role in the sustainable development of Curacao through the attraction of FDI. The Ministry has recognized the value of investment promotional agencies to the development of economic sectors, particularly in those sectors which are burgeoning such as green or ecosustainable initiatives. For Curacao, projects funded by FDI also present the potential opportunity for engagement with the English, Spanish and French-speaking Caribbean and extra-regional countries with which the country, being a Dutch-speaking territory, may not otherwise have explored.

Caribbean Export is equally invested in facilitating trade and commercial collaboration between the CARIFORUM States which it represents as the CAIPA Secretariat and the Dutch-speaking Antilles. As part of the EU 10th EDF RPSDP, the Agency is charged with the facilitation of trade and tariff agreements between CARIFORUM and the OCTs. As a result, it is hoped that a regional environment will be cultivated which will enable successful enterprise and private sector growth in all territories.

Members of the regional trade and commerce community were present to support the Ministry and its new offshoot. Attendees included representatives from UNCTAD, CAIPA and ProNicaragua.(TW)

From left: Paul Wessendorp, UNCTAD; Emily Ramirez, CAIPA; Vanessa Tore, Ministry of Economic Development of Curacao; Franklin Nicolaas, Ministry of Economic Development of Curcao; Javier Chamorro, ProNicaragua.

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Minister Palm of the Ministry of Economic Development of Curacao, welcomes those present at the launch of CINEX.

Tradewatch • The Official E-Newsletter of the Caribbean Export Development Agency •

Vol. 8 No. 3 July 2014

INVESTMENT PROMOTION

WAIPA World Investment Conference 2014 and Investment Mission to Turkey Investment promotion took a top place on Caribbean Export’s agenda once again when the official’s from the sub-regional office of the Agency, in partnership with CAIPA, led a delegation of members to the World Association of Investment Promotion Agency (WAIPA) World Investment Conference 2014 and Study Tour from May 13-16 in Istanbul, Turkey. The Study Tour was organised to provide another opportunity for regional IPAs to become familiar with, and to emulate the best practices of their internationally competitive counterparts, those increasing their global competitiveness. The CAIPA members benefitted from three days of submersion in the procedures and policies, which ensure optimum productivity and efficacy in their field.

In addition to the educational value of the trip, the mission also presented an ideal context for IPAs to network with partnerships with other IPAs, and form a more collaborative relationship with the Turkey government. Above all, the delegates received invaluable exposure and marketing opportunities for their own brand on a global platform, and a chance to pursue investment opportunities in the Caribbean with Turkish investors. Through these interactions, the IPAs were able to gain a more comprehensive sense of Turkish context with regards to preferences, stipulations, and dynamics within the private sector.

Caribbean Export was integral in the creation of opportunities for this nature of dialogue with stakeholders from the Turkish public and private sectors. Therein, the study tour was also an investment mission for the IPAs who were able to tailor their marketing to the Turkish context and to decipher the particular tastes and interests of the nation’s investors.

The firms participated in a rotation of B2B meetings and, in total met with 38 Turkish companies, presenting to the private sector and other economic operators in Turkey the opportunities and challenges of doing business with the Caribbean region that are available to investors from Turkey. The CAIPA members also engaged with the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ICOC) and the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) to promote outward investments from Turkey to the Caribbean Region.(TW)

CAIPA members in attendance at the WAIPA Investment Conference and Mission to Turkey

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Tradewatch • The Official E-Newsletter of the Caribbean Export Development Agency •

Vol. 8 No. 3 July 2014

EXPORT PROMOTION

Caribbean Exporters Set Designs on Calabash 2014

Haitian artiste BéLO performing with his band during one of the sets at Design Caribbean

The synergistic collaboration between Caribbean Export and the Calabash International Literary Festival came to fruition with the staging of Design Caribbean over the course of the three day event, which was held in Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica from May 30-June 1, 2014. The Design Caribbean pavilion was a major attraction in the festival’s peripheral environment, drawing curious and excited visitors away from the main tent between stimulating readings and talks. The pavilion was fashioned in an unobtrusive, but striking design, which seemed to complement the rustic and beautiful natural environment of Jake’s, Treasure Beach. The Design Caribbean coordinating team from Caribbean Export were on hand to facilitate the exhibited work of the 11 artisans selected from seven territories across the region as well as the performance featured musician, BéLO from Haiti, who performed on the opening night of the Festival.

The Calabash Literary Festival has transcended boundaries and transforms itself into the foremost to literary festival in the Anglophone Antilles. Calabash offers a unique combination of striking facades, vibrant and dynamic environment, good food, integrated community activity and the region’s most respected literary talent meeting some of the world’s most respected talent in one place at one magical time of year. It all seems effortless and gloriously synchronic, but it is the result of the strategic planning and hard work of the festival’s founders and organizers since its inception, Justine Henzell and Kwames Dawes. The duo have created a brand, which is synonymous with quality, innovation and true Caribbean style. This brand has come to encompass the other offerings of the settings, namely the food and the craft of some of Jamaica’s most skilled artists.

Caribbean Export partnered with the Calabash organizers in order to use this platform to benefit not only local, but also regional craftpersons.

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The Design Caribbean delegation at the Calabash Literary Festival in Jamaica

The Agency published an Expression of Interest which was enthusiastically answered by dozens of the region’s finest designers. In the end, the faces of Design Caribbean 2014 were: Barbadian Very Vanita and Avark; Rainforest Pottery and Arawak Leather Craft of Guyana; Hands in Clay and Reve Jewellery and Accessories from Jamaica; Kaj Expressions from Belize; St. Lucian Designs by Nadia; The Dot Miller collection from the Bahamas; and Haitian companies Créations Dorées and Belzeb, with the latter also operating in Grenada. The delegation embodied the spirit that the Calabash Festival represents.

The pavilion was a treasure trove of hand-made and exclusive designs and products that would satisfy anyone’s tastes. The products were a true showcase of the region’s abundant natural resources, from semi-precious stones to premium quality leather. The artisans were not only successful in making record-breaking sales, but also promising connections with potential partners and distributors, which have fuelled their primary goal which was to penetrate new markets. The exhibitors also forged new relationships amongst themselves. They took full advantage of the networking opportunity into create a web of connection that spans the region. There was a spirit of camaraderie, and a collective desire for excellence with made the experience one of a kind for many of the participants.

On the completion of the project, the Executive Director of Caribbean Export Pamle Coke Hamilton commented that, “What we have seen this weekend, and throughout the process of Design Caribbean at Calabash 2014, is the power that we hold as creative Caribbean people. We have the power to rivet the attention of people from across the world, and to communicate our story in whatever medium we choose. We are gifted with not only undeniable talent, but also a vision and sense of ingenuity that sets what we make apart from anything else. The artisans of have made these truths clear.”(TW)

Tradewatch • The Official E-Newsletter of the Caribbean Export Development Agency •

Vol. 8 No. 3 July 2014

EXPORT PROMOTION

Haitian Women Exhibit in Exclusive Trade Show

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A sample of the products on display during the Femmes Créations & Productionsin Port-au-Prince, Haiti

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The creative industries have been pegged as a potential niche sector for growth and, as such, Caribbean Export invests heavily in initiatives, which support the development of the sector. The Agency demonstrated this commitment at Femmes en Démocratie in Port-auPrince, Haiti. The Femmes Créations & Productions, which ran from May 3-4, 2014, was the nine staging of the event which is organized by Haitian non-governmental organization, Femmes en Démocratie. The trade show was conceptualized to showcase the endeavours of female entrepreneurs in small, artisanal businesses, as well as to allow for engagement with potential wholesalers and retailers. Caribbean Export made a proactive effort to facilitate this engagement through the sponsorship of professional buyers from the Jamaica and the US to attend the show.

Femmes Créations & Productionsplayed host to some 80 exhibitors, whose products ranged from handcrafted cosmetics to intricate beadwork tapestries. The cornucopia of offerings was a true expression of the creativity and resourcefulness of the Haitian people. The fare was well received by those who attended, particularly the buyers from Sandals, Jamaica, Gail Bell, Greater Good Wholesale in Miami, Debi Goldman and Greater Good Retail, Michelle Schechtman. Ms Bell commented that she always looks forward to visiting Haiti as she can find authentic and innovative Caribbean goods for the Sandals chain, which are not only appealing and affordable but are manufactured locally as opposed to the majority of merchandise, which is sourced from Asia.

The trade show afforded female entrepreneurs, who may not otherwise have had the opportunity, to interact with buyers, such as those sponsored by Caribbean Export.

This interaction is crucial to forgoing inter-territorial relationships which take advantage of the duty free tariffs among CARICOM Member States. In addition, this would foster greater commercial collaboration between the English speaking CARIFORUM States and OCTs, which is one of Caribbean Export’s principle mandates under the 10th EDF. A strong Caribbean network can be the foundation for a regional export strategy which would then galvanize creative enterprises to take on extra-regional export markets. Events such as Femmes Création & Production help to break down previously prohibitive barriers between countries in a similar fashion to the ongoing Bi-national Programme between Haiti and the Dominican Republic, which Caribbean Export’s Sub-regional Office champions through a number of initiatives.(TW)

Tradewatch • The Official E-Newsletter of the Caribbean Export Development Agency •

Vol. 8 No. 3 July 2014

EXPORT PROMOTION

Caribbean Export Supports Haitian and DR Call Centres Caribbean Export has a commitment to supporting the development of emerging industries in the CARIFORUM States that it represents. As an export development agency, its primary goal is to ensure that the capacity of and opportunities for industries such as customer service to export are expanded by carrying out a range of interventions designed to achieve one or both of these objectives.

This is particularly crucial for relatively new industries such as the customer service industry, and call centres in particular. In an effort to satisfy its mandate, the Agency facilitated the participation of a delegation of representatives from the Dominican Republic and Haiti to participate in the 15th Annual Call Centre Week 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA from June 9-13, 2014.

The Annual Call Centre Week is the largest and most attended call centre event in the US, attracting 130 exhibitors, some 1,500 customer service professionals and more than 120 speakers at each staging. The event offers the benefits of high visibility and exposure to the global call centre industry, a vast and impressive setting, numerous skill-based workshops, and unique networking opportunities.

Some of the participants speak with exhibitors during Call Centre Week in Las Vegas, USA

Caribbean Export saw the Call Centre Week as an opportunity to spur increased investment in Haiti and the Dominican Republic as part of the trade component of the Haiti-Dominican Republic Binational Programme of Economic and Trade Cooperation funded by the EU under the 10th EDF. With the support of CEIRD in the Dominican Republic and the CFI of Haiti, the Agency organized the mission which included a delegation of select Dominican and Haitian firms.

Through participation in this event, the regional participants were able to engage in over 100 B2B meetings with potential investors from all over the world. In the wider context, the Agency seeks to promote FDI opportunities for Haiti and the Dominican Republic via a greater interaction with extra-regional investors.

This strategy is aimed at the enhancement of the overall business and investment climates of Haiti and the Dominican Republic as a single but multi-faceted investment destination. Ultimately, the goal is to capitalise on common strengths while highlighting each country´s unique investment opportunities.(TW)

Regional participants during Call Centre Week, supported by Caribbean Export, CEI-RD and CFI

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.

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Tradewatch • The Official E-Newsletter of the Caribbean Export Development Agency •

Vol. 8 No. 3 July 2014

TRAINING & CERTIFICATION FOR CAPACITY BUILDING

Bi-National Workshop between BHN-INDOCAL and International Symposium of Quality 2014

Caribbean Delegation pose for group photo during the International Symposium of Quality 2014 in the Dominican Republic

Caribbean Export’s on-going Binational Programme has provided the framework for, and facilitated the execution of, a variety of projects and programmes within Hispaniola. The programme aims to dissolve the cultural, socio-political, and economic barriers between the Dominican Republic, out of which the programme is run, and its neighbour, Haiti in order to forge a mutually beneficial trade relationship. The programme has been driven forward by stakeholders from both territories who share a collective vision of a self-sufficient and diverse economy. Two agencies who share in this vision are the Haitian Bureau of Standards (BHN) and the Dominican Institute of Quality (INDOCAL) of the Dominican Republic who met to take part in a binational workshop and the from June 24- 26 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

The workshop, which was held at the Hilton Hotel Embassy Suites in Santo Domingo, was an opportunity for metrology, standardization and conformity assessment from both Haiti and the Dominican Republic to engage in dialogue with the aim of constructing a cooperation action plan which provides a road map for future collaboration on trade and commerce. This plan will operate within the context of the MoU, which was recently signed between BHN and the Dominican Republic and was sponsored by Caribbean Export through the EU and CROSQ. The parties were privy to presentations from various stakeholders in the cooperation project, most notably Alexis Valqui, Head of Technical

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Cooperation of the National Metrology Institute of Germany (PTB). Mr. Valqui spoke about the need for a meticulously crafted plan with a committee tasked with the execution and monitoring of the progression this plan. The presentations allowed the participants to gleam guidance on the way forward as well as useful information for the construction of action plan.

After a day of intensive dialogue, the agencies participated in the Second International Symposium of Quality Infrastructure from June 25-26, 2014. The BHN attended the symposium as special guests of INDOCAL along with representatives from the Haitian Ministry of Agriculture. The symposium was conceptualised as a platform for discussions on the unification of quality standards and control on a regional and global level global. Both institutions were equipped with implementable tools for the enhancement of their individual and collective capacity for the promotion of quality standards in the SMEs of their respective countries.

This is the main objectives of the Agency for all CARIFORUM States and it is hoped that, through the combined efforts of the BHN and INDOCAL that this will be achieved in Hispaniola.(TW)

Tradewatch • The Official E-Newsletter of the Caribbean Export Development Agency •

Vol. 8 No. 3 July 2014

TRAINING & CERTIFICATION FOR CAPACITY BUILDING

SVG Coalition of Service Industries Hosts Services Awareness Week and Proposal Writing Workshop

Participants of the Proposal Writing Workshop listen during the presentation session.

Senior Grant Advisor, Caribbean Export during his presentation at the recently concluded grant proposal writing training in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

The services industry is increasingly becoming a major topic of discussion on the regional economic landscape.

The highly specialized and globally marketable nature of the sector has led it to be identified as potentially lucrative areas of investment for the region. As a result, it has become an area of priority for Caribbean Export and region-wide stakeholders. The Agency has invested resources in the creation of educational and capacity building opportunities for services providers, in close partnership with regional Coalitions of Service Industries (CSIs). The most recent of these collaborations was with the St. Vincent & the Grenadines Coalition of Service Industries during the Coalition’s Services Awareness Week in Kingstown from May 5-9, 2014. Caribbean Export sponsored and led a grant proposal writing workshop on May 8, which sought to equip the attendees with the knowledge and skills to construct a grant proposal which is likely to be successful in its bid.

Caribbean Export’s Senior Grant Advisor and administrator of the Direct Assistance Grant Scheme (DAGS) programme, Kirk Brown led the workshop and provided invaluable insight to the participants on the elements of an effective proposal.

DAGS in the Agency’s flagship grant funding programme, which provides reimbursable funding to hundreds of firms each year. The biannual Calls for Proposals attract applications from hundreds of firms across the region and those successful in their bids have been provided with funds to realize their developmental goals.

The workshop, which saw service providers from a wide range of sub-sectors in the industry in attendance, was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and consisted of both instruction and break-out group sessions for practical application of knowledge. Mr Brown stressed the need for professionals to master the construction of a comprehensive proposal, because of the boost that the service industry as a whole can gain from the type of funding which programmes like DAGS can provide.

At the end of the session, participants reported that they had gained a much more in-depth sense of the elements of a potentially successful funding proposal. They also expressed that it had been a beneficial experience, which would enrich both them and their respective companies.(TW)

A section of the audience during the workshop

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Tradewatch • The Official E-Newsletter of the Caribbean Export Development Agency •

Vol. 8 No. 3 July 2014

CORPORATE citiZenship

Caribbean Export Drives Literacy in Local Schools

Caribbean Export launched its inaugural children’s book drive in April 2014. To date, the drive has amassed 315 books from employee donations, and two schools have benefitted from these donations.

Presentations were made during May to the students of the West Terrace Primary School and St. Stephen’s Primary School, which are both located in the vicinity of Caribbean Export’s headquarters in St. Michael, Barbados.

Ms. JoEllen Laryea, Public Relations and Communications Advisor and Mrs. Stephanie Bishop, Monitoring and Evaluations Advisor coordinated the initiative and represented the Agency at the presentations. Ms. Laryea, in addressing the students, expressed her concern about the effect that this decrease in literary interest will have on the ability of the future leaders to express themselves and to communicate effectively. She further stressed the importance of reading for the cultivation of creative and critical thought, which are the paramount to success in any endeavour.

According to Ms, Laryea, ““through reading, you open up your minds; you encounter new words, which expand your vocabulary. A strong vocabulary is very important to be able to express yourselves well…some of you may want to start your own businesses some day and effective and eloquent communication will be very important for success in entrepreneurship, as well as in any career that you go into.”

A well-read child becomes an articulate and confident thinker and communicator. The Agency has chosen to the book drive as a vehicle for the ignition of primary-level students’ interest in literature. It is hoped that, through the re-introduction of literature that has been tried and tested by other children, that the students will be encouraged to explore the offerings and become engaged with the material. The primary educational level has been deemed to be the optimal time to spark children’s interest in reading as it is at this developmental stage that patterns of thinking, reasoning and speech develop. Creating an environment in which students are constantly engaged with resources, which stimulate their intellect and imagination, is key to laying the foundation for future excellence in all spheres.

The Agency continues to accept donations to its book drive as it prepares to donate to other schools. The next presentation of books is scheduled to take place in September at schools in the St. Michael, St. James and St. Thomas areas. (TW)

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St. Stephen’s Primary Head Girl, receives a sample of the books donated from Caribbean Export’s PR and Communications Advisor JoEllen Laryea

A section of the students from the West Terrace Primary School listen during the presentation at morning assembly

Tradewatch • The Official E-Newsletter of the Caribbean Export Development Agency •

Vol. 8 No. 3 July 2014

SUCCESS STORY

SMAKS: From Luxury Shop to Luxury Brand Eight storeys above the hustle and bustle of Biscayne Bay, with a breath-taking view of the iconic downtown Miami skyline, it’s not hard for Kiran Akal to feel like he’s sitting on top of the world. A reaction that is symbolic of the rise to fame that the SMAKS Luxury Group has recently undergone. In less than 24 months, Kiran took the classic familyowned business based in Trinidad and Tobago, and transformed it into a globally celebrated tea and spirits brand.

SMAKS began as a luxury gift shop manned by the matriarch of the Akal family in 1979, but moved into the tea business in 2011.

“On my return to Trinidad, I learned that my mother wanted to sell the boutique that she had run for some 35 years. I felt a deep sense of loss, because here I was working with all these companies and developing their brands, so there must be something I can do for my family’s business,” Kiran recounted.

As a child, Kiran accompanied his mother on most of her buying trips. As an adult, he spent his formative years studying and living in Europe. Overtime, Kiran became increasingly exposed to fine products and gained a greater appreciation for luxury branding and marketing.

“Besides becoming a china and crystal fanatic, I got an understanding of what quality means and how grand firms in Europe made fine products for market. There was no reason why this knowledge couldn’t be applied to my family’s business.”

The idea for SMAKS Bespoke Teas started as joke suggested

by Kiran’s sister, given his undeniable love for the beverage.

Kiran, however, thought it was a brilliant idea.

“The West Indies is predominantly African, Indian, and Chinese. These are three regions in the world that grow a lot of tea, and this tea came with them to the West Indies.

I immediately saw the connection with these teas, and the things that people came to the West Indies for; things that grew naturally like citrus, chocolate, cocoa, molasses, rum, and exotic spices.”

Kiran saw an opportunity to take the tealeaves from one part of the world, one aspect of West Indian history, and combine them with the very essence of the Caribbean life.

With that, he set about telling the tale of two Indies, East and West, and bringing them together to create a new chapter in Caribbean history.

Today, SMAKS is the Caribbean’s premier luxury tea brand with eleven teas in the company’s product range: Antillean Green, Barbados Silver, Bermuda Pink, Caribbean Chai, Grenadines Purple, Hispaniola, Parang, Tobago Afternoon, Trinidad Breakfast, Trinitario Dark, and Trinitario Light.

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SMAKS’ Award-winning Chai Rum

SMAKS teas have won several international awards, and were also presented to Queen Elizabeth II for the Diamond Jubilee.

However, as Kiran began to work with tea, he realised the potential for the company to innovate using the aromatic beverage.

“Our entire focus was to create the first true luxury tea brand from the West Indies that would be globally recognised. It may seem ambitious, but with the growth and rate of the global tea market, I felt it was something we could do.”

Kiran had the desire to create a tea company with a unique model, that would appeal to people all over the world simply because they were the only ones doing it. A model of luxury, quality and innovation, and with this ambition SMAKS Chai Rum, the world’s first tea-infused rum, came about.

“Rum, like tea, is synonymous with the West Indies and unique to the entire world. So we decided to do what no one else is doing, be the first company in the world to create Chai Rum.” With the creation of the Chai Rum came several opportunities for the SMAKS Luxury Group, two of which set the foundation for a whirlwind global encounter. First, the company participated in ANUGA, as part of Caribbean Export’s Caribbean Kitchen pavilion, the world’s leading food fair for the retail trade and the food service and catering market, staged in Cologne, Germany.

“I found out about ANUGA while showcasing at the Trade and Investment Convention in Trinidad. I jumped at the opportunity because I recognized this as one of the most important food and beverage trade fairs in Europe. I knew that it was going to be a huge event and an occasion to reach hundreds, maybe thousands with our product.”

Tradewatch • The Official E-Newsletter of the Caribbean Export Development Agency •

Vol. 8 No. 3 July 2014

SUCCESS STORY Participation in ANUGA has opened new export markets for SMAKS. In addition to the Caribbean market, the company is now distributing to Europe, specifically Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The company is also in discussions with buyers in Germany and Italy.

The other major achievement for SMAKS Chai Rum was catching the attention of and securing a deal with Camper and Nicholsons International, the world’s largest yacht brokerage. As a global brand partner, Chai Rum will be poured at some of the company’s most prestigious events, including the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix slated for May 22-25, 2014.

Chai Rum has also won silver in a Wine & Spirits tasting competition at the world renowned Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, an accomplishment that will no doubt open the US market for the luxury brand.

“It has been amazing experience, and all it started with ANUGA. Of all the experiences I’ve had with Caribbean Export over the last three years, this was by far the best.”

SMAKS first became a beneficiary of Caribbean Export in 2011, shortly after he had introduced Bespoke Teas to his company’s brand.

“Even before ANUGA, Caribbean Export had played an incredibly important role in our success. They gave us the very first break by facilitating our participation in Design Caribbean in Santo Domingo, and the response from the public was phenomenal. After that, there were other trade missions, opportunities to receive funding, and attend talk shops and meetings. With each activity, we tried to maximise the opportunity that was given to us.”

Following Design Caribbean, Kiran entered and won Caribbean Export’s pilot launch of its business competition, Break Point in Grenada in 2012 and was given the opportunity to pitch his product to investors in the finals of the competition in London. SMAKS received a Direct Assistance Grant that year, to assist with the re-branding of the business and facilitate e-commerce.

“What Caribbean Export offers regional firms and entrepreneurs is a hand up, not a hand out. It’s up to us to make the most of these opportunities. We built this company on passion and fumes, but initiatives like Design Caribbean, Break Point and ANUGA gave us the momentum we required, to reach the markets that we desired.”

As Kiran continues to capture the taste and flavour of the Caribbean with his unique blends and assortment of teas, the shrewd businessman is constantly thinking of new ways to revolutionise the story of SMAKS. “In addition to expanding the growth of Chai Rum across the rest of Europe, we want to re-launch the website for the Tea and focus a bit more on that side of the business. We are also looking at the structure of the company and increasing financing.”

Building a globally recognised brand takes time and comes with its own lessons. Kiran notes that that vision, quality and confidence are at the top of his list.

“Like most Caribbean businesses, SMAKS’ model was import and retail, not manufacture and export, but I saw a huge and largely unexploited opportunity, and other entrepreneurs can do the same if they embrace the vast natural resources that the region has to offer, pay attention to quality and detail, and be confident in their brand.”

Kiran also believes that regional firms are in a position to maximise their exports with co-operation and innovation.

He admonished bigger firms to understand that innovation is important and that working with small entrepreneurs is the way to go.

“These entrepreneurs don’t have the bureaucracy that comes with bigger organizations, but they have to the speed to move and ideas to innovate. However, as small entrepreneurs, we have to be sure that we have a good idea or product; the best way to test this is to face the public. Bring it to market and gauge the reaction you receive.”(TW) To view the Exporting Success video with Dr. Kiran Akal, Chief Executive Officer, SMAKS Luxury Group please press play on the image (internet connection required)

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Contact Details: SMAKS Luxury Group Limited Shop #129, Building #6 Valpark Shopping Plaza, Valsayn Park Trinidad and Tobago Tel: 1-868-663-3097/621-0699 Email: info@chairum.com

Tradewatch • The Official E-Newsletter of the Caribbean Export Development Agency •

Vol. 8 No. 3 July 2014

OPPORTUNITIES

Opportunities Programme Officer, Services The Programme Officer - Services will report to the Services Specialist and will assist in achieving the following objectives: Develop policies, regulatory framework, strategies and action plans to support and enable CARIFORUM Services Sector; assist with capacity building of Business Support Organizations (BSOs) and provide support relating to market intelligence initiatives. The Officer will also be expected to provide support to the implementation of the 10th EDF Services component.

Job Description - Programme Officer, Services Interested persons should read the full job description and send resumes to jobs@carib-export.com The deadline for applications is August 8, 2014.

Programme Assistant, Services The Programme Assistant provides technical and administrative support to the Agency, the Services Specialist and the Program Officer Services. He or she will perform and/or oversee a variety of associated administrative, staff support and planning activities. The Programme Assistant will coordinate and facilitate meetings, programme-related functions, and/or special events as appropriate. He or she will also be required to engage in research and analysis and the drafting of briefs relevant to the development of the Services Sector in CARIFORUM. He or she may coordinate specified administrative activities and reporting across multiple organizational units.

Job Description - Programme Assistant, Services Interested persons should read the full job description and send resumes to jobs@carib-export.com The deadline for applications is August 8, 2014.

Consultancy - Primed for Success Vol. 3 Caribbean Export is looking to work with an experienced publishing firm that will provide the following services, as outlined in the Terms of Reference: Interview the agreed list of beneficiaries (approx. 20) Write articles that highlight the businesses growth and success as a result of participating in Caribbean Export initiatives Liaise with Caribbean Export to determine the appropriate design and layout of the publication; Provide 3 design and layout options in keeping with the brand guidelines to select from; Design a cover page for the publication; Create an electronic version of the publication; Liaise with Caribbean Export to determine the appropriate print specification and quality; Recommend 3 print firms to Caribbean Export who are capable of printing to the agreed specification and quality; and Provide recommendations and assistance to ensure the final print meets the expected standards.

For additonal information on general criteria and required documents, please download the Terms of Reference.

The deadline for applications is August 5, 2014 at 4:30 PM Barbados Time. No late submissions will be accepted.

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Tradewatch • The Official E-Newsletter of the Caribbean Export Development Agency •

Vol. 8 No. 3 July 2014

OPPORTUNITIES

Expression of Interest Notice: Participation in the VIII Americas Competitiveness Forum The VIII Americas Competitiveness Forum (ACF) and Annual Meeting of the Inter-American Competitiveness Network (RIAC) will be held in Trinidad and Tobago during the period October 8th – 10th, 2014, which is the first time the ACF is being held in an English speaking country.

The theme of this year’s ACF is “The Human Imagination at Work: Driving Competitiveness, Powering Innovation” The ACF Forum and Annual Meeting will consist of Panel Discussions and Keynote Presentations on the following sub-themes • • • • • •

Energy Competitiveness and Innovation Financing Business, Investment and Growth Creativity, Innovation, Research and Application Breakthrough Innovations and the New generation Services Industry as a Driver of Innovation Innovation in Education

Caribbean Export will be supporting the participation of CARIFORUM SMEs, entrepreneurs, and aspiring entrepreneurs with innovative products and/or services as exhibitors at the Innovation Village, where they will get an opportunity to showcase their respective products and/or services to a diverse audience consisting of potential customers, business partners, and investors.

Interested parties must create a video pitch no longer than three (3) minutes explaining why they should be selected to be part of the contingent of firms to exhibit at the Innovation Village of the ACF 2014. Firms must answer the following questions in their video pitch: • • • • • • • •

What is your name/company’s name? (5 to 7 seconds) What is your product/service and which industry does it fall under? (10 to 15 seconds) What is the value proposition of your product or service (what problem does it seek to solve)? (20 to 30 seconds) What makes your product/service innovative and differentiates it from its competitors? (15 to 20 seconds) Who are your primary and secondary target audiences and what’s your distribution strategy to reach them? (30 to 40 seconds) What are the ways you generate or are seeking to generate revenue (retail, wholesale, e-commerce, etc.)? (25 to 30 seconds) Are you seeking to export (if not already exporting) and if yes, which markets are you currently exporting to and other markets are you interested in? (20 to 30 seconds) What area(s) would you like the greatest support to continue the growth and development of your business model?

Please note that the times included above are merely to be used as a guide.

For additional information on the video sumbmission guidelines and the screening and selection process please visit our website www.carib-export.com. The Expression of interest form can also be downloaded here.

Firms interested in participating in the VIII Americas Competitiveness Forum (ACF) as an exhibitor, are asked to make their electronic submissions to: Mr. Damien Sorhaindo at dsorhaindo@carib-export.com and copied to Ms. Ginelle Green at ginelle.greene@giz.de Submissions must be made no later than 4:30pm EST on Thursday, July 31, 2014.

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Tradewatch • The Official E-Newsletter of the Caribbean Export Development Agency •

Vol. 8 No. 3 July 2014

UPCOMING EVENTS

JULY 2014 DR Mission to Trade and Investment Convention

Trinidad & Tobago

July 2-5

CAIPA Board Meeting

Trinidad & Tobago

July 7

FDI Data Repository Workshop

Trinidad & Tobago

July 8

RIPS Validation Workshop

Trinidad & Tobago

July 9

IPA Training Workshop on National IP Strategy

Trinidad & Tobago

July 10-11

ProNET Workshop: Module 1 - Business Strategy

Trinidad & Tobago

July 14-18

Caribbean Export/ITC JAMPRO Benchmarking

Jamaica

July 14-19

Office of Private Sector Relations Benchmarking Self Assessment

Saint Lucia

TBC

AUGUST 2014 DAGS Roadshow and Reimbursement Workshop

Jamaica

August 8

DAGS Roadshow and Reimbursement Workshop

DR and Haiti

August 12 and 14

3rd International SIDS Pre-Conference Activities

Samoa

August 28-30

Haiti-DR Customs Seminar

Dominican Republic

August 25-Sept 6

SEPTEMBER 2014 3rd International Conference on SIDS

Samoa

September 1-4

Investment Forum of the Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic

September 4-5

ProNET Workshop: Module 9 - Export Marketing

Dominican Republic

September 4-6

Investment Forum of the Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic

September 4-5

ProNET Workshop: Module 9 - Export Marketing

Jamaica

September 15-17

ProNET Workshop: Module 1 - Business Strategy

Saint Lucia

September 16-18

Caribbean Export Week

Barbados

September 22-26 Dates and locations subject to change.

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Tradewatch • The Official E-Newsletter of the Caribbean Export Development Agency •

Vol. 8 No. 3 July 2014

ABOUT US

Caribbean Export’s Key Result Areas And Goals

Caribbean Export Development Agency Head Office: 1st Floor Baobab Towers Warrens, St Michael BB22026 BARBADOS Tel: (246)-436-0578 Fax: (246)-436-9999 Email: info@carib-export.com Sub Regional Office: Av. Pedro Henríquez Ureña No. 150 Torre Diandy Xix, Piso 7 Santo Domingo REPUBLICA DOMINICANA Tel: (809)-531-6565 Fax: (809)-473-7532 Email: c.export@codetel.net.do Website: www.carib-export.com www.facebook.com/Caribbean.Export www.twitter.com/CaribXport www.youtube.com/TheCaribbeanExport

• Fostering an enabling environment – for trade and investment within the region through regional integration, cooperation and advocacy initiatives designed to position the region more effectively in the world economy.

• Enhancing Competitiveness – Increase the competitiveness of firms in CARIFORUM countries in selected sectors through investment, management and product development, market expansion and export diversification.

• Promoting Investment - Promote the Caribbean region as a prime destination for intra and extra-regional investment.

Strengthening Institutional Capacity and Networking • - Enhance the capacity of public and private sector BSOs, particularly sector associations, trade promotion organisations and investment promotion agencies, and support the development of vibrant Caribbean business networks to improve services to clients.

We are very interested in your feedback.

Please email your comments to: tradewatch@carib-export.com.

All material copyright © 2014 Caribbean Export

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Tradewatch • The Official E-Newsletter of the Caribbean Export Development Agency •

TradeWatch is made possible through the kind support of the European Union.

Vol. 8 No. 3 July 2014