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During a crowded gathering, Caribbean Export inaugurated the first Dominican-Haitian craft exhibition, “Symbiosis,” in an event attended by prominent personalities from various fields and representatives from the Delegation of the European Union in Dominican Republic and Haiti.

The exhibition, was open to the public from June 23rd to 25^th, 2023  at Quinta Dominica, Ciudad Colonial, Santo Domingo, DR. The collection is curated by Anny Abatte and showcased the work of artisans who have created a proposal incorporating indigenous raw materials from the island.

“We have been in the Dominican Republic for over 26 years, supported by the European Union, developing private sector support programs throughout the Caribbean. Since 2012, we have been implementing the private sector trade component in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Caribbean Export is a resource for all SMEs and anyone wishing to create export potential,” highlighted Leo Naut, Deputy Executive Director of Caribbean Export Development Agency.

Furthermore, he explained that “Symbiosis” is born as part of the implementation of the trade and private sector component of the Binational Cooperation Program between Haiti and the Dominican Republic, financed by the European Union under the eleventh European Development Fund (EDF).

Through the value chains they are creating, the craft sector currently involves a number of beneficiary companies from both Haiti and the Dominican Republic, helping them develop synergies that enable potential co-promotion and co-production. This promotes craftsmanship as an economic development driver with the aim of exporting their talent and creations to the world.

It is worth noting that the selection of artisans for “Symbiosis” was made through a call for entries in collaboration with the Office of the Managing Authority for European Funds and Development in Haiti (BONFED), the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development (MEPYD), the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MICM), and the National School of Art of Haiti (ENARTS). Sixteen Dominican and Haitian artisans were chosen to be part of this first edition.

This project has also created a binational dialogue space where artisans from both countries have been able to collaborate on design, learn about the materials and techniques used by each other, and exchange good practices. Additionally, it is projected as a brand and collection, while simultaneously launching two Craft Clusters in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, which will own the brand, giving it sustainability.

This first collection will include a digital catalog and an online sales platform featuring all available pieces. It will also showcase the artisans who created them, along with their contact information, allowing direct communication with the artists for those interested in acquiring a piece.

On the Dominican side, amber and larimar prevail in the creations, while the Haitian pieces incorporate malachite, blue malachite, jasper, and breccia. Some pieces also incorporate horn and bone waste, as well as coconut fragments.

Furthermore, curator and fashion designer Anny Abatte took on this challenge, showcasing the unity, commitment, and creativity of two nations marked by their histories and skillfully combining their objectives.

“The Dominican Republic and Haiti, united through art, showcase a range of handmade jewelry, demonstrating the coexistence not only of their creators but also their gems, metals, techniques, among others. This promotes development, entrepreneurship, and an economic impact that is revealed in the value chain, boosting Caribbean art. This proposal highlights sustainability and an environmentally friendly approach,” she stated.

Meet the artisans

“Symbiosis” features the following exhibitors:

Tipik Creations, born in Haiti, designs fashion accessories and home goods under its own brand, Olga-Nora Lerebours. Inspired by nature and characterized by complex shapes and structures, they embrace sustainability and represent the essence of Haitian culture and identity through clean designs with abstract elements that reflect African and Taíno heritage in each handcrafted piece with fluidity, balance, and elegance.

Emmanuel Saincilus, born in Petite Rivière de l’Artibonite, is an artist who has surpassed the boundaries of insularity, participating in various important exhibitions both within his country and abroad, specifically in the United States and Brazil. His designs possess great delicacy and perfection, narrating the diversity of Caribbean culture through the fine selection of materials and subtle lines of design.

Michel Chataigne, one of the most well-known Haitian stylists, has attracted the most discerning women to his beauty salon for 33 years. He launched his own beauty product brand, his cosmetology school (Institute Michel Hair Design – 1998), a modeling agency (Fashion & Design – 1999), and a fashion line that includes clothing, handbags, shoes/sandals, and accessories. Haitian cultural heritage and African influence are present in his pieces, which combine ancestral Haitian craftsmanship techniques with avant-garde elements and symmetry in design.

Garibaldi Baptiste, born in Pétion-Ville, is passionate about Haitian culture and Vodou. His pieces show that his source of inspiration comes from a blend of African art with elements of Taíno heritage. The fusion of cultures is perceived in the choice of materials and the symbolic significance of elements within the artisanal design, contrasting with simple, elegant, and clean lines that seek to reconstruct the essence of the cultural legacy of the insular Caribbean.

Fabulous Living, a Haitian company specializing in handmade furniture design and home accessories, provides a unique combination of skills in interior design, product design, international development, and business management. It takes pride in partnering with local artisans to ensure the survival of traditional Haitian techniques, sharing knowledge, and preserving Haiti’s cultural heritage.

Régine Tesserot Fabius, “Heritage” collection. The simplicity of elegance is manifested through the use of materials inherent to Haitian artisanal tradition combined with modern and classic elements that bring beauty and warmth.

Ariel Fabius and the “Dancing Taino” collection. This collection conveys the joy and magical vision of the essence of Taíno art in each piece, combined with gold and larimar, evoking the majesty of a legacy that is an essential part of the island’s culture.

Daphnée K Floréal, a Haitian designer who discovered her passion for design at an early age, inspired by the vibrant colors of her culture and the unique mountainous relief of her region. In 2006, she created her line of handmade jewelry, Bijou Lakay. The pieces are crafted by communities of artisans in Haiti using ancestral techniques.

Jenny Polanco, a design legend who evokes and exalts the cultural and charismatic beauty of the island through her proposal, becoming a reference in the Latin American artisanal industry. Her timeless source is Dominican culture, and her particular aesthetic is represented through the combination of materials, achieving unique designs that capture the essence of the Dominican cultural legacy passed down through generations through the bonds of artisanal coexistence.

Giselle Mancebo, a Dominican designer of handmade jewelry characterized by the use of classical techniques with a touch of baroque style. In her pieces, she demonstrates great mastery and balance in selecting the elements to be used. Creating jewelry with identity is her goal, seeking to recreate memorable experiences and showcasing her imprint of contemporary luxury.

Fátima Polanco. She opened her first physical store in 2010, focusing on creating handmade jewelry pieces with exclusive designs featuring a wide variety of styles, techniques, and materials. They evoke our history full of colorful nuances, combining native stones with a style characterized by the elegance of cleanliness in contrast with avant-garde and youthful design.

Cristina Núñez. This Dominican artist has over 20 years of experience dedicated to artisanal work. In her designs, endemic materials from the Dominican Republic often come together boldly, bringing to life the ethnic and indigenous aspects through her creations. The Dominican cultural legacy, filled with folklore and exuberance, is showcased, highlighting creative freedom and the essence of tradition.

Bárbara Taveras. Her designs find inspiration in the sea and within her feminine imagination, where the extravagant and daring merge with native materials of the island, enhancing the beauty of the Caribbean woman. The universe of femininity is strongly present, and she manages to combine a clean technique, native stones, and elements in the pursuit of elevating the beauty of the Caribbean woman.

Gimarie Grullón/ Tiaggi. With a style that embraces minimalism, this emerging jewelry designer focuses on combining native materials with a modern and fresh twist to the local design scene, aiming to exalt the Dominican artisanal legacy through the creation of a distinct jewelry style representing the country.

Gisela María Lozada/ (SHELAIA store). Her passion for design grew until she materialized it through her brand, SHELAIA STORE. She works on the design of artisanal pieces using native Dominican materials, and her pieces embody a contemporary style with a touch of lush femininity.

Jorge Caridad, a craftsman driven by his vocation, marks a before and after in the history of the development of our artisanal industry. He is the founder of the Amber and Larimar Museums and a pioneer in the internationalization of Dominican goldsmithing work. As the backbone of “Symbiosis,” his experience and perseverance become a fundamental part of interpreting the proposals of Dominican and Haitian artisans in this ambitious project that seeks to merge the talent of the islands and showcase the noble raw materials shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

In the Bahamas, when you want to add some extra flavour to your meal, there is one homegrown brand that immediately comes to mind – D’Vanya’s.

‘D’Vanya’s Manufacturing’ (formerly D’Vanya’s Spices Ltd) was started more than 25 years ago by entrepreneur Greg Douglas with his brother.

Greg is a well-known Bahamian singer. He was part of two successful groups called Fame and Visage and was regularly touring overseas when he decided to launch a food-related business so his family could be taken care of while he was away. He also wanted to create a brand that was truly Bahamian.

Greg recalls: “Originally, we looked for companies to represent in the Bahamas. One of our first was Grace Foods and we were doing very well. We got a lot of information from selling those items to hotels and food stores, so that’s when we decided to develop our own brand in line with our culture.

“Our very first product was the Junkanoo hot pepper sauce, followed by the Original Bahamaian hot pepper sauce. After that we added the Goombay hot pepper sauce which comes in different colours because of the variation of the peppers. Right now, we make about 47 products.”

D’Vanya’s is currently on offer in hotels, restaurants, and stores in Nassau, but Greg plans to export his products around the rest of the Bahamas and overseas after receiving funds from the Caribbean Export Development Agency’s ‘Direct Support Grant Programme’ (2021).

Greg used the grant to buy new machinery to enhance production and worked with another company to improve D’Vanya’s digital marketing.

Greg says: “Year on year we were doing exceptionally well until 2020, when COVID came, and we suffered quite a loss. In 2021, our sales recovered by about 30% but we’re still not back to the levels we had before, so we were very excited to get the grant.

“We put the money to specific use and ordered new machinery which we’re waiting to receive any day now from China, that will help us scale up for export. We’re expecting our capacity to improve 300-fold with those machines. For instance, right now we produce about 80 to 90 cases of product in a day but with the new machines we’ll be able to do that amount in about two hours.”

Greg works directly with seven local farmers to supply his raw materials and employs three people full-time and one part-time in sales and production. He expects to need more staff if his export ambitions take off.

D’Vanya’s is already represented in North America and Mexico by an agent based in Florida called Silver Bay which manages sales through the company’s e-commerce website. Greg is also talking with a potential distributor in Canada and plans to look for another one in the UK to target Europe.

Greg is even aiming to break into the Chinese market where the D’Vanya’s name has already been trademarked.

“I really would like to get more working capital to hire more people and scale up quickly,” Greg states. “Then I would like to see our sales move from 95% domestic and 5% exports to 50% each which will bring in much needed foreign currency for the company and the country.”

Greg adds: “I also need to look for some land to build a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility which will require investors. I’m hoping that will be completed in about three to five years.”

In addition, Greg has recently joined with a local grilled food establishment to incorporate D’Vanya’s into its menu and offer the brand’s sauces and seasonings for sale. He is hoping this model can be replicated in other places to show how D’Vanya’s can be used to enhance a wide variety of dishes.

“Who knows,” Greg says, “maybe one day we’ll have a range of cultural events that we can cater for or even a D’Vanya’s franchise like KFC. Once people like the taste, they’ll buy the sauce, because they’ll want it for themselves to take home.”

It goes without saying that the traditional condiment of choice in most Caribbean households is (hot) pepper sauce.

Fiery, tangy, savoury, sweet; whichever way it comes, pepper sauce is beloved by almost everyone in the region and is put it on everything from salads and sandwiches to rice and meat, and even mixed in curries, soups, and stews.

Some people might rely on store bought bottles of pepper sauce, but a lot of households have their own ‘secret’ recipes which have been passed down through generations.

Barbadian entrepreneur Nick Bynoe started making his own version of pepper sauce when he returned to the island in 2015 after living for some time in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Canada.

Nick loves food and cooking but had no formal experience in the food industry after spending most of his career in warehousing, logistics, and operations.

However, when he realised his home island was importing lots of the same types of pepper sauce and did not even have a brand to call its own, he saw a gap in the market and an opportunity that could not be missed.

“The lightbulb moment came when I saw so many flavours and variations of pepper sauce in the international, mainly US market,” Nick recalls.

“I started watching YouTube videos and reading articles about the global trend in demand for speciality, small batch pepper sauce but I didn’t see a lot of genuine Caribbean representation. The idea grew from there.”

Despite his lack of professional culinary skills and his personal intolerance to hot, spicy food, Nick’s first batches of artisanal pepper sauce, made with smoked peppers, charred pineapple, local herbs, and spices were an instant hit with his friends and family.

Nick states: “Once I realised the business was going somewhere, I just tweaked the sauce a bit to make it more efficient for production because it wasn’t realistic to char the number of pineapples that I would need. I also chose peppers that were more readily available.

“After one or two adjustments we got it just right and we really let the ingredients speak for themselves because there are no fillers or preservatives. Once the real, natural ingredients are good, the sauce is good”.

Two more pepper sauce flavour profiles were soon added, the sweet and spicy ‘Pepper Punch’, and the milder ‘Zesty Jalapeno’.

All that remained was to officially name the business, but when Nick tried to register his local brand in 2018, the name he had in mind was already taken.

Slightly disheartened, he joined some friends on the beach for a bonfire and one of them suggested the name “Duppy” which in the English-speaking Caribbean means ghost or spirit. Nick liked the connotation and felt it even fitted in well with the sauce’s smoky origins.

Five years later and the ‘Old Duppy’ product line has gradually expanded to include five different kinds of pepper sauce along with tamarind sauce, BBQ sauce, Vex vinegar, Bajan Ganoush dip, and chili oil.

Nick has now turned his attention to exporting and took a major step towards achieving his goal of selling in the UK and Europe when he was accepted onto a 10-month ‘Launch to Market’ programme facilitated by the Caribbean Export Development Agency in September 2021.

Nick says: “‘Launch to Market’ really made us step back and focus on what larger markets would expect from our product. That programme was extremely helpful because as a small producer we would never have been able to afford that kind of assistance.

“Working with experts really gives you some unique insight into what you need to do for export and opens your eyes. The help was amazing and immeasurable.”

Last year, Nick had ‘Old Duppy Foods’ incorporated and took on a new business partner. The brand also took part in the Speciality & Fine Food Fair in London in September 2022 under the Caribbean Export umbrella.

“Taking ‘Old Duppy’ to England was always aspirational,” Nick states. “So, to see people there tasting and enjoying the product was very rewarding. We learned what the British market likes and doesn’t like, and it led to so many connections with buyers and distributors.

“We knew what we had to focus on and within a month we were working with an importer and distributor that matches the size of our brand, so we’ll grow together. Our first shipment to the UK went out in November and our second shipment is being prepared now.”

Nick believes the UK distribution deal will lead to more orders and to fulfil demand he has partnered with Export Barbados’s newly opened International Food Science Center in Bridgetown to assist with bottling and labelling.

In the short term, he is concentrating on developing a footing in the UK and plans to target two other major overseas markets. The long-term goal, he jokes, is “global domination”.

Nick adds: “When we decided to really have a go at this, we knew that Barbados was the foundation and an important part of the story. But we are very niche, so if we want to grow, we can’t stay in Barbados or even the Caribbean.

“One of my main goals is for tourists to come here and ask for ‘Old Duppy’ to take back with them. Not just a pepper sauce, any pepper sauce, but a Barbadian brand.”

The ancient Greek physician, Hippocrates, once said, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” This philosophy continues to resonate today, shaping current trends and lifestyles. People now view their food choices as a means of promoting health, well-being, and preventative health management. From herbal teas, tinctures, powders and supplements to meditation, digital detoxes and yoga, individuals are looking for holistic approaches to feeling their best. Research indicates that, “The rise in conscientious consumption has the potential to greatly impact the future of nutrition, health and wellness”.^[1]

From the Caribbean, with its rich base of folklore practices^[2] and traditional knowledge involving the use of medicinal plants^[3], new products are emerging that combine traditional wellness secrets with modern insights. These products cater to global consumers’ desires for quality products, plant-based foods, nutraceuticals, functional foods and natural food products that promote health and wellness.

At the renowned Food Industry trade fair, Agroalimentaria 2023, top exporting Caribbean brands and products will be showcased, offering a myriad of benefits for individuals seeking optimal health and well-being.

Bahamian company, Native Organic’s LLC, manufactures a line of 100% natural, pure and potent herbal dietary supplement capsules. Their vegan capsules, made from plants like soursop, papaya, cerasee, moringa, sea moss support overall wellness along with other capsules for colon cleansing, detox, and weight loss.

Native Organic’s line of supplements and capsules contain bioactive compounds, enzymes, and alkaloids that can offer functional benefits. Vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin B3 and B6, Iron, and Potassium which are present in Ginger and Turmeric contain more than 300 naturally occurring components including beta-carotene, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), calcium, flavonoids, fiber, iron, niacin, potassium, zinc, and other nutrients. Ginger and Turmeric capsules contain plants that have been used to treat ailments, ranging from migraines to chronic inflammation and fatigue.

Cerasee or bitter melon is traditionally used to help reduce constipation, boost immune functions, stabilise the body’s natural functions, and treat common colds and flu. Cerasee vegan capsules help consumers embrace the benefits of bitter melon in more palatable ways.

Other capsules from Native Organic’s may contribute to eliminating toxins (Organic Colon Cleanse Detox Capsules), improving digestive health (Papaya vegan capsules), and boosting energy and enhancing endurance (Organic Sea Moss Capsules), among other benefits. Native Organic’s helps consumers embrace the power of natural supplements to support their health and well-being.

Caribbean Agro Producers Corp from Dominica is dedicated to producing a wide range of health-enhancing products including capsules, herbal teas, tinctures, powders, spices, and gourmet ginger syrup. Their “Give” brand by Chiacell Biological is dedicated to the research and development (R&D) of healthy, naturally grown herbal teas. The product lineup for teas features premium and herbal tea blends that reflect a traditionally Caribbean “ethnobotanical apothecary”. Each tea product is titled to highlight its specific advantages. From Diabetea, made with Spanish Needle and Neem (Bidens Pilosa and Azadirachta Indica) to Vigor, made with Bois Bandé (Richeria Grandis, used traditionally as an aphrodisiac), their teas cover a diverse range of health concerns. Other popular plants featured in their products include Moringa and Soursop in Revivify, Vervain and Guava in Nerves & Veins and Noni and Ginger in Digestive Health. Additional product offerings include Cleanse, Corossol, Weight Loss, Circulation, Breathe Easy, Joint Health, and Immunity.

By harnessing the power of natural ingredients, Caribbean Agro Producers Corp offers products that can contribute to the well-being of individuals seeking holistic health approaches.

With over forty different types of teas and 60% of its products being exported, Jamaican Teas is the largest producer of teas in the Caribbean. They are the award-winning company that manufactures the rapidly growing brand, Caribbean Dreams. Caribbean Dreams’ tea product lineup features 3 main product lines: Select Tea Infusions, Wellness Teas and Flavoured Teas.

Select Tea Infusions features premium quality products that are expertly blended with the consumer in mind. Ingredients like lemongrass, rosehips, orange leaves and other plants are featured in various blends. Ingredients are carefully selected to evoke feelings of warmth and comfort while balancing consumers’ need for uniqueness, wellness, delectable flavours, and fulfillment.

Wellness Teas are focused on supporting a healthy lifestyle by introducing a variety of herbs and spices that contain many health benefits while Flavoured Teas feature a wide variety of flavourful herbal teas that are made with popular herbs and spices that not only taste good but are good for you too.

In addition to black, green and herbal teas, Jamaican Teas also offers seasoning, loose tea, instant tea and a range of pastas and other pantry products.

RHS Marketing, an award-winning company from Trinidad, takes pride in manufacturing products that have their roots in the Caribbean and its cultural diversity. Their product lineup includes one of the hottest new wellness trends, traditionally known and used in Ireland and the Caribbean: sea moss. Popularized for both health and beauty benefits, Irish sea moss (Chondrus Crispus) is a species of red algae that has attracted praise from health enthusiasts and mainstream celebrities with #seamoss appearing in over 1.2 million Instagram posts. Catering to the demand for sea moss products, RHS Marketing offers sea moss drinks (concentrate) and dried Irish Sea moss. In addition to sea moss products, they also offer a range of sauces, seasonings, spices, condiments, jellies, fruit cordials and essences.

The fusion of traditional Caribbean practices with modern nutrition and wellness insights has given rise to an array of products from the region that help consumers prioritize health and well-being.

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^[1] https://store.mintel.com/report/the-future-of-nutrition-health-and-wellness-market-report

^[2] “The Use of Medicinal Herbs in Barbados.” Medicinal Plants of Barbados for the Treatment of Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases, Univ. of the West Indies Press, Kingston, 2015, p. 5.

^[3] Vujicic, T; Cohall, D. “Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on the Use of Botanical Medicines in a Rural Caribbean Territory.” Frontiers in Pharmacology, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34776949/. Accessed 15 May 2023.

During this week, a delegation from Caribbean Export visited the Bahamas to conduct crucial meetings with key stakeholders while intensifying their preparations for the second edition of the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF). This event is scheduled to take place from October 23-25, 2023 at the Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas. In collaboration with the European Union and CARICOM, the Agency will partner with the Government of The Bahamas, working closely alongside teams from the Ministry of Tourism, Investment and Aviation.

The CIF aims to accomplish three significant objectives: (1) Attract targeted investments into prioritized sectors, specifically those essential for driving the region’s transition towards a greener and smarter economy. These sectors encompass the digital economy, agri-tech, renewable energy, and transportation and logistics. (2) Enhance the visibility of the region and the host country as attractive investment destinations. (3) Facilitate networking and collaboration among the investment community in the region, leading to agreements on key priorities that will expedite the region’s transition to a greener and smarter economy. The primary focus is to create a platform for businesses to engage with one another and foster new business opportunities.

Following the inaugural CIF, the emphasis in 2023 will be on packaging investment opportunities in the identified priority sectors and build upon the accomplishments of the inaugural CIF, which occurred in Trinidad and Tobago last November, and expedite the Agency’s mission of creating a more environmentally sustainable and technologically advanced Caribbean.

CIF 2023 will concentrate on assisting businesses in attracting investments in these key areas including the adoption of renewable energy practices to enhance competitiveness and leverage the green economy, the integration of technology in business operations, encompassing ICT, digitalization of processes, and FinTech, the development and implementation of technology in agriculture and support CARICOM’s goal of reducing the region’s food import bill by 25% by 2025, and the enhancement of the region’s infrastructure pertaining to transportation and logistics.

It is anticipated that this year’s event will surpass last year’s achievements and attract over 800 business professionals seeking to invest in the Caribbean or secure investment into their multi-million-dollar projects.

The event serves as the foremost platform for attracting investments in the region, offering an opportunity to showcase the Caribbean as an appealing investment destination with the potential to drive transformative growth. The CIF is distinguished by its exclusive focus on investment, with the primary aim of attracting businesspersons from the region and carefully screened investors from around the world who are interested in participating and contributing to the event.

A group of Haitian and Dominican Business Supporting Organizations, led by  Chambre du Commerce et d’industrie d’ Haïti (Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Haiti) and the Federación Dominicana de Cámaras de Comercio-FEDOCAMARAS (Dominican Federation of Chambers of Commerce) strengthened collaboration ties through their joint participation in a Best Practices Mission to Buenos Aires, Argentina. This mission was coordinated by Caribbean Export as part of its Private Sector Dialogue Work Plan stemming out of the implementation of the Trade and Private Sector Component of the Haiti-Dominican Republic Binational Cooperation Program, financed by the European Union under the 11th European Development Fund (EDF).

The delegation was comprised by Chambre du Commerce et d’Industrie d’Haïti-CCIH (Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Haiti), Association Des Industries d’Haïti-ADIH (Association of Industries of Haiti), the American Chamber of Commerce in Haiti-AmCham Haiti and the Chambre de Conciliation et d’Arbitrage d’Haiti-CCAH (Chamber of Conciliation and Arbitration of Haiti),  Federación Dominicana de Cámaras de Comercio-FEDOCAMARAS (Dominican Federation of Chambers of Commerce), Cámara de Comercio y Producción de Santo Domingo-CCPSD (Chamber of Commerce and Production of Santo Domingo), Asociación Dominicana de Exportadores-ADOEXPO (Dominican Exporters’ Association) and the Centro de Resolución Alternativa de Controversias de la República Dominicana-CRC (Dominican Republic’s Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution).

Argentina has a long track record of supporting export of its services industry in a worldwide scale, namely in the innovation and technology sector. Such is the case that Argentina has eleven (11) companies that are considered unicorns (valued at over USD$1 billion). Moreover, Argentina has had to overcome major challenges in the political and social realm that have greatly affected private sector development and overall trade.  In this context, Caribbean Export organized this mission to enable r Haitian and Dominican BSOs to discuss what operational and policy frameworks were put in place to support Argentina’s private sector; along with the challenges that were faced and the best practices of what worked.

During the mission, the delegation was able to engage and share best practices with the Cámara Argentina de Comercio y Servicios-CAC (Chamber of Commerce and Services of Argentina), which served as the primary host for this mission, along other private sector support institutions. These exchanges allowed participating BSOs to learn about the services provided by their counterparts in Argentina and improve their technical capacity to support the country’s business development with the appropriate tools to improve their management. In addition, the delegation was able to engage with the Cámara Argentina de Comercio Electrónico-CACE (Digital Chamber of Commerce of Argentina), allowing the acquisition of knowledge about the electronic commerce program (experience and training) implemented by after the COVID-19 pandemic, with the aim of increasing the competitiveness of the private exporting sector.

With this activity, the participating chambers of commerce will be able to increase the quantity and quality of the services offered to their members and improve their long-term sustainability, while strengthening their collective interinstitutional cooperation ties across the border and the overall binational private sector.

A contingent from The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), recently met with government stakeholders and partners in Saint Lucia to discuss the Agency’s services, impact and relevance. Led by the Executive Director Deodat Maharaj, during March 22- 24, 2023, Caribbean Export’s visit to Saint Lucia aimed to establish clear priorities and chart a concrete programme of support for local businesses.

During the visit, Caribbean Export met with partners, including the Prime Minister, the Minister of External Affairs and International Trade and Civil Aviation, staff of Ministry of Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs, Invest Saint Lucia and the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture.

The team had the pleasure of meeting the Honourable Philip J. Pierre, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia and hearing his government’s priorities, particularly on trade and investment. From the extensive discussions it was clear that the Agency’s work mirrors the government’s transformational agenda, which focuses on creating jobs and opportunities for the people of Saint Lucia. Caribbean Export lauded the Prime Minister on his imminent launch of the Youth Economy Agency and attendant programme that seeks to build capacities in Saint Lucia’s young entrepreneurs.

Caribbean Export also engaged in discussions with the Honourable Alva Baptiste, Minister for External Affairs, International Trade and Civial Aviation and his team. Here, the meeting focused on international partnerships and leveraging Caribbean Export’s role in assisting in the implementation of agreements such as the EU-CARIFORUM Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) through years of dedicated support in training, capacity building and overall technical assistance to the private sector to take advantage of those agreements. In light of the UK-CARIFORUM EPA, the agency is looking forward to similar focused work.

As the Agency continues to pave the way for transformative investments across the Caribbean, one of the highlights of Caribbean Export’s visit was meeting with Invest Saint Lucia’s CEO, Octavian Charles, and his team. During the discussions that surrounded the identification of bankable investment projects around three main priorities; renewable energy, digital economy and agriculture technology, Caribbean Export took the opportunity to signal the upcoming second iteration of its Caribbean Investment Forum scheduled for October 2022.

Said Mr. Maharaj of the visit, “The discussions demonstrated a clear appreciation of our strategic plan’s priority areas, which are fully consistent with Saint Lucia’s goals. I’m delighted with our engagements over the three days, and we look forward to strengthening our support to the Saint Lucian private sector.”

As a dedicated organization committed to promoting trade and investment across the Caribbean, Caribbean Export shares the vision of business playing a vital role in the region’s economic growth. The organization is proud to be leading the way in facilitating transformative investments, supporting local businesses, and creating jobs and opportunities for the people of the Caribbean.

Today, the 8th of March is celebrated the world over in many different ways, and often used to advocate on issues affecting women and to inspire others for positive change. Believe it or not, the day’s origins go back as far as 1908 when 15,000 women took to the streets of New York to march in demand for shorter hours, better pay and voting rights.

Still in 2023, we are calling for the businesses and governments to address the gender pay gap. For example, in the European Union the gender pay gap stood at 12.7% in 2021 and only changed marginally over the past decade. In the United States, it was reported that all women were paid 83% of what men are paid in 2022, be the US Department of Labor. And, women of colour are paid even less. Unfortunately, Black women are paid 64% or 64 cents to every dollar and Hispanic women were paid 57% or 57 cents to every dollar earned by white non-Hispanic men.

At the recently held virtual Lunchtime Chat hosted by the University of the West Indies to mark International Women’s Day executive director at Compete Caribbean, Dr Sylvia Dohnert, highlighted that the majority of large corporations were owned by men and women-owned businesses were in the minority, “In the population of business in the Caribbean they average around 20 per cent [female-owned or predominantly female businesses] . . . There’s a correlation between the size of the business and female ownership so the larger the firm, the less likely that it is being owned by a female and this difference is statistically significant,”

So, how do we get equality? And how do we get equity for women across the world in all areas of our societies, be it education, healthcare, employment and also business?

This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is #EmbraceEquity, a call to get people talking about why equal opportunities are no longer enough and can in fact be exclusionary, as opposed to inclusive.

At Caribbean Export, I am fortunate to be part of a diverse team where all perspectives are respected and heard. As we implement our programmes and activities to support the development of the Caribbean private sector, we have experienced that on average 52% of the participants are women. It’s great to see that women are leveraging the support that is offered whether for their own business or to contribute to the success of the company they are employed by.

The Caribbean Export tools and resources are available to everyone equally, and I hope that businesses use them to their advantage. But, we understand that every business is different and has different development needs.

Caribbean Export uses its SME Diagnostic Tool to assess the small businesses and to identify the areas where development and support are required. This enables us to tailor the right solutions to give businesses to best foot forward to succeed in exporting.

I was fortunate enough to work with a group of women-owned businesses as part of our WE-Xport (women-empowered through export) programme. After understanding their different needs, we were able to provide a suite of services that included capacity building, businesses coaching, export promotions and technical assistance in specific areas. As a result, many of these businesses were able to either start or increase exports, achieve certifications, enhance their branding and marketing and even leverage the support from one-another for the development of the business.

While International Women’s Day is a great opportunity to raise awareness and take action to promote gender equality, it is important that we continue this work every day. Achieving true gender equality and equity requires consistent effort and a commitment to making changes both big and small in our daily lives. Whether it’s challenging gender stereotypes, advocating for policies that promote equal opportunities, or supporting women in leadership positions, we all have a role to play in creating a more equitable world. Let’s work together to make every day International Women’s Day!

“When girls are given the right tools to succeed, they can create incredible futures, not only for themselves but also for those around them.” Meghan Markle

It’s been one month since Caribbean Export’s Executive Director and Services Specialist met with Government Officials in Grenada to advance the country’s transformational agenda. One of the key takeaways from that engagement was the identification of capacity building support to the islands’ agro-processors.

Consequently, a 2-day workshop, entitled “Leveraging CARIFORUM Trade Agreements” was hosted by Caribbean Export, in partnership with the European Union Delegation in Barbados from 22-23 February 2023 at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort. This workshop covered several topics that are key considerations for MSMEs that are already exporting, or those considering exporting to the European Union.

Minister Joseph Andall, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Export Development delivered the opening remarks, demonstrating the government’s commitment to the private sector. He noted “The Government of Grenada is committed to building and supporting the development of world class brands that are capable of successfully competing in both regional and international markets, with special focus on the European market. As such, this workshop today is critical for firms that are serious about taking advantage of trade agreements such as the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement and getting their products into those markets.”

Ms. Carlene Hamiliton of the EU Barbados and Eastern Caribbean States delegation navigated the EU export requirements portal to a packed room of close to 50 participants comprising representatives from 35 MSMEs and 11 Ministry and Business Support staff. Ms. Mikaela Stoute – Research Officer Market Intelligence and Ms. Natasha Edwin-Walcott, Senior Advisor Competitiveness and Export Promotion from Caribbean Export emphasized ways to assess a firm’s export readiness, leveraged key market research and intelligence tools and showcased how to prepare for export promotion and enter new markets. As far as possible, real-world examples were demonstrated, highlighting the opportunities and export potential of Grenadian products, but also the challenges of market access.

The Grenada Trade and Investment Officials as well as Grenada Bureau of Standards presented on the Grenada economy and the importance of standards and labeling in exporting products.

Participants’ products ranged from seamoss, teas, chocolate, water, sauces and condiments as well as service providers. By the close of the session on day two, the room was just as full as day one. Representatives were fully engaged, provocative in their thinking and ready to improve their business and export plans to take advantage of the trade opportunities presented.

Caribbean Export acknowledges the support provided by the local partners and business support organisations such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Export Development, Grenada Investment and Development Corporation and the Grenada Chamber of Industry and Commerce for the leadership in hosting this event.

Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee is known for its unique flavour profile and high quality, which makes it a sought-after coffee by many coffee enthusiasts around the world.  A specialty coffee grown in limited quantities in the Blue Mountain region of Jamaica, it is generally considered to be one of the most expensive and exclusive coffees available in the world. Its rarity and high quality have contributed to its popularity and high demand among coffee aficionados.

The demand for this coffee naturally will fluctuate depending on a variety of factors, including supply, pricing, and consumer preferences.  However, globally the specialty coffee market was worth over USD53.67bn in 2019, with the EU specialty market valued at $16.68 billion (almost one third of the global total) which is also projected to grow by 9.0% annually between 2020-2026 due to rising demand for on-the-go coffee and a strengthening premium coffee shop segment.  

Given the immense opportunity for Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee in Europe, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Affairs sought to enhance the competitiveness of Jamaican coffee in the EU. The Ministry commissioned the Caribbean Export Development Agency to facilitate an in-depth study on the European coffee market and the scope for increased exports of Jamaican coffee.

“Currently, approximately 10% of Jamaica’s exports of Blue Mountain Coffee goes to Europe. There is indeed significant scope for its expansion given the EU’s large consumer base. According to existing data, Europe accounts for approximately 33% of global coffee consumption, making Europe the largest coffee market in the world, and, accordingly, one with great potential.” shared Ambassador Symone Betton-Nayo.

Taking a practical, market-led approach, the consultant Windward Commodities, met with a cross-section of Jamaican and European coffee stakeholders and engaged in other research activities to determine the trends in the EU market and explore how Jamaica could expand its coffee exports to Europe and compete successfully in the market. 

The study entitled ‘Time to wake-up and ‘cup’ the coffee – Expanding Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee in the EU’ outlines a number of market-led recommendations and practical steps that can create transparency and collaboration in the Jamaican coffee industry – playing to the strengths of supply chain partners and exploring partnerships in new markets.

Caribbean Export was delighted to collaborate with Ambassador Betton-Neyo and her team to facilitate this crucial review of the Jamaican coffee sector to enhance the competitiveness of its exports.

“We are confident that the recommendations will have a positive impact on ongoing efforts to expand Jamaican coffee exports to the EU.  We commend Caribbean Export for its strong and tangible contribution to efforts aimed at enhancing the Caribbean’s export potential in the European market” concluded Ambassador Betton-Neyo.

Caribbean business and the Region’s trade and investment agenda will benefit following yesterday’s agreement between the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) and Corporación Andina de Fomento (CAF) – the development bank of Latin America, on a framework of cooperation to support private sector transformation across the Caribbean.

The Heads of the two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in The Bahamas at the 44th CARICOM Heads of Government meeting on the 16th of February 2023.

Caribbean Export and CAF have agreed to work together in the areas of research, data collection exchange and analysis on sustainable development, trade and investment promotion issues affecting Latin America and the Caribbean with the view to strengthening opportunities for sustainable private sector growth.

Central to regional transformation will be the institutional strengthening and capacity building of businesses to enhance the productivity and sustainability, particularly in the areas of technology and innovation, digital transformation, green energy and entrepreneurship. Together they will focus on addressing key issues related to regional integration, trade and investment promotion.

CAF is a development bank focused on improving the lives of Latin American and Caribbean people. An institution which aims to become the green and blue bank of the region, CAF vision aligns well with Caribbean Export’s areas of strategic focus to advance the region’s transformation.