Caribbean Export OUTLOOK 2016 - 2017

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message from
Delegation of the European
Union to the Eastern
Caribbean Countries, OECS,
CARICOM/CARIFORUM
The publication of this the second edition of
Caribbean Export OUTLOOK, under the
theme ‘Building Economic Resilience in the
Caribbean’, comes at a most opportune time
in the development of the region. On the one
hand, a few economies are showing signs of
recovery from the ravages of the global financial
and economic crisis. On the other hand, some
continue to struggle at revitalising their main
productive sectors, while simultaneously
trying to reduce fiscal deficits and reign in
domestic debt. While the global rankings of
several countries, as measured by the Global
Competitiveness and Doing Business Indices,
have improved, the rankings of others have
declined. There is therefore an obvious need to
continue to lay and cement a solid foundation
for sustained and inclusive social and economic
development in the Caribbean.
I am happy to say that the articles in this
publication present an overall positive outlook
for the development of regional trade and export,
the expansion of the regional private sector and,
by extension, the enhancement of the prospects
for regional economic growth. Contrary to the
impression sometimes given in the various
media reports and academic articles, there are
sectors, sub-sectors, firms and entrepreneurs in
the Caribbean that are emerging, growing and
thriving. This publication and others produced
by Caribbean Export, seek to highlight the tireless
effort being made by national governments,
regional and sub-regional administration and
organisations, as well as private sector actors
in advancing investment, competition and
innovation, among other things.
The EU has been a reliable and dedicated
partner in this effort, providing valuable direct
and indirect technical and financial support
at all levels. Over the past two decades, we
have partnered with Caribbean Export in the
development of the regional private sector.
This partnership has included improving the
environment for doing business, strengthening
business support organisations, as well as
assisting entrepreneurs, firms, clusters and
regional industry associations. And we are not
finished yet. Under the 11th EDF, the EU is
providing € 102 million, for the period 2014-
2020, to the Caribbean region to continue
its support specifically for regional economic
cooperation and integration, including private
sector development.
We congratulate the Board, Management and
Staff of Caribbean Export on yet another
publication and look forward to continuing
our successful collaboration in the future.
His Excellency Ambassador Mikael Barfod
Delegation of the European Union to the Eastern
Caribbean Countries, OECS, CARICOM/CARIFORUM
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