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CARIFORUM Private Sector Trade Needs
CARIFORUM firms are faced with increasing competition in
international markets, as well as within their own domestic
sphere. The challenges faced with entering, supplying, and
operating in global and regional markets are compounded by a
lack of understanding and information on the part of SMEs, as to
what these markets demand and their current conditions.
The needs of CARIFORUM firms in export and trade currently
include:
• Market research and competitive intelligence including
market entry requirements; consumer and import demand
patterns and historical trends;
• Technical assistance with meeting competitive requirements
for export markets;
• Assistance with identifying and securing supply inputs and
enhancing supply capacities;
• Support to implement new production methodologies and
approaches;
• Assistance with understanding and dealing with regulatory
requirements and business practices in the export target
market; as well as with trade agreements; and
• Support with effective trade promotion strategies including
participating in trade missions, trade shows, and exhibitions,
among others.
Caribbean Export responds to these needs through a range of
initiatives focused on support to BSO project and programme
activities; enhancing BSO capacity through access to finance,
training and certification, and facilitating participation in
trade promotion activities; in addition to strengthening BSO
partnerships.