BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE
NOV 2014
optimise the Caribbean’s export potential and integration
in to the global economy.
Support does not always come in the form of training or
financing, as the Agency has a long history of supporting
firms to penetrate new markets through attending
international trade shows. Participating in any trade show
can be costly exercise for businesses; the cost of flights,
accommodation, tradeshow fees, marketing materials,
shipping and food – the costs quickly add up and many
businesses just simply would not be able to fund their
own participation. But it can be a fruitful activity when it
comes to finding new customers in export markets as
seen by the recent contingent of firms that travelled to the
world’s largest food and beverage trade show ANUGA.
Glyn
Partidge
of
10
Saints
Brewery,
Barbados
commented that they received orders from 4 European
markets and “in one week have gained market access to
It has become increasingly difficult for businesses to get
financing from traditional sources, and as such the
Agency offers access to finance through their flagship
programme, the Direct Assistance Grant
Scheme
(DAGS). In addition to offering these grants, firms can
also participate in the grant proposal writing workshops
which have been deemed invaluable to many participants
not only for securing finance from Caribbean Export but
also for submitting proposals for grants from other
funding sources.
at least five EU markets, which is a dream come true".
The Agency has supported firms to attend a number
regional and international trade shows such as the Trade
and Investment Convention (TIC), Dominicana Moda,
The Gallery Berlin and Design Caribbean.
To
complement trade show participation the Agency is a
strong advocate of Study Tour missions to give firms the
opportunity to scope out the target export market.
Let’s not forget Business Advocacy an integral part for
The Agency focuses on nine priority areas, namely Agroprocessing, Creative Industries, Financial Services,
the development of the regions private sector and needed
to create the business climate required for success.
Health and Wellness, Information and Communication
With each intervention, Caribbean Export aims to bring
Technology,
Services,
regional brands to the world stage while showing the
Specialised Tourism and Renewable Energy, due to the
international community that the region has many
growth potential from these sectors and their ability to
opportunities for investment.
79
Manufacturing,
Professional
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