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11
ASSUMPTIONS
AND RISKS
proposal writing, market intelligence,
and productivity network (ProNET),
among others. Our beneficiaries have
participated annually in regional trade
missions such as Dominicana Moda
(DM),HavanaInternationalFair(FIHAV),
Femmes Créatíon & Production Trade
Fair, and the Trade and Investment
Convention (TIC). Firms have also
attended international trade shows
including Study Tours to South America
and Europe, in addition to missions
under Caribbean Export branded
platforms including Design Caribbean,
Caribbean Essence, Caribbean Kitchen,
Soul Fusion, and Break Point.
With each intervention, Caribbean
Export aims to optimise the export
potential of regional entrepreneurs,
as well as highlight the investment
potential of the Caribbean to the
international community.
In order for the 10th EDF RPSDP work programme to be implemented
successfully, it is vital that certain assumptions hold constant. While the requisite
groundwork has been undertaken to justify the demand for, and relevance of this
work programme, cognizance must be taken of the assumptions as listed:
• SMEs and BSOs have the limited capacity to prepare and submit
grant proposals;
• CARIFORUM countries and SMEs are interested in expanding their
trade and exports;
• Countries should have a stable economic and political framework;
• Continued Member States’ support and commitment;
• CARIFORUM countries, FCORs and OCTs are committed to
enhancing cooperation with a view to improving trade and
investment opportunities amongst the parties;
• The Joint CARIFORUM/FCOR/OCT Task Force will continue to play an
important role in promoting trade and investment between the
parties;
• CARIFORUM countries and their SMEs are interested in
collaborating with the view to enhancing trade and investment between
the parties;
• The CARICOM/DR Business Forum will continue to be a platform for
dialogue and exchange between the Parties to that Agreement;
• Caribbean Export has the capacity to retain its technical expertise;
• Resources are available to the Agency to ensure successful
implementation of the programme in a timely manner.
Likewise, consideration must be given to the following:
• There is the risk that Governments will not prioritise the
recommendations emanating from programme interventions.
• There is the risk that intermediary organisations do not allocate the
requisite resources to engage their constituents and thus are unable
to reach the ultimate beneficiaries of Caribbean Export’s work
programme.