Presentation from West Toonz during the Break Point pitching session in Barbados

Transcription

1 Official E-Newsletter of the Caribbean Export Development Agency VOL. 7 NO. 1 JAN-FEB, 2013 Caribbean Export Week Promoting export-led growth and facilitating increased regional and international exports for the Caribbean region. Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), as part of its mandate to promote export led growth for the Caribbean region and to facilitate increased exports to regional and international markets, is pleased to launch for the first time a Caribbean Export Week. The week of activities aimed at raising the level of awareness about Caribbean Export in particular on the work being under-taken as part of the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) Regional Private Sector Break Point to be officially launched on Regional TV Development Programme, commences with an Ecumenical Service on March 17, 2013 and a two day Caribbean Exporters Colloquium, where industry leaders will discuss key issues relating to exporting from the Caribbean to the international market. Other key activities during the week include a special breakfast meeting for the Private Sector Advisory Group, a private screening of the Built to Last documentary and Caribbean Export s official office Design Caribbean 2013 Atelier Dore, of Suriname, shows off her collection at Design Caribbean Design Caribbean is the re-branded Caribbean Gift and Craft Show (CGCS) and staged for the first time in 2011, received plaudits from exhibitors, visitors, buyers and press for successfully re-establishing the event, as the largest contemporary design trade event in the Caribbean. Inspired by the passion and talent of both distinguished and aspiring artists, Design Caribbean showcases the very best of the region s finest handmade products and innovative designs - in contemporary craft, music, fashion and film. Continued on page 2 Caribbean Export will soon be launching its new reality television series, Break Point, which seeks to empower Caribbean businesses to take on European markets and introduces them to alternative funding sources such as private investors in the form of Venture Capitalists (VCs) and Angel investors. It highlights the journey of dedicated regional businesses and entrepreneurs as they vie to become one of the 12 finalists who travelled to London to make their final pitches to a panel of investors, venture capitalists and distributors. Presentation from West Toonz during the Break Point pitching session in Barbados In April 2012, CARIFORUM firms and entrepreneurs throughout the 15 CARIFORUM States had the opportunity to participate in Break Point by first submitting a 2-3 minute video pitch, along with a 1 page executive summary of their business plan and a short application form to help the Agency capture some pertinent company data. Continued on page 3 Pg 2 Pg 4 Pg 5 Pg 6 In this Issue INNOVATION & COMPETITIVENESS Firms to Access Financing under DAGS TRADE EXPORT & DEVELOPMENT Trade Information Training for the Dominican Republic SUCCESS STORY Animation has come Full Circle BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Career Opportunities 1 Tradewatch The Official E-Newsletter of the Caribbean Export Development Agency Vol. 7 No. 1 January-February, 2013

2 Tradewatch COMPETITIVENESS & INNOVATION Continued from page 1 This year s event will take place at the Grand Lucayan Resort in Freeport on the island of Grand Bahama, Bahamas on June 20-23, Design Caribbean boasts over 100 regional exhibitors with more than 1000 products - it is the place to spot future talent and emerging brands and where visitors leave with a true sense of the diversity and creativity that breathes vibrancy into the Caribbean region. Design Caribbean is truly committed to quality, in terms of show presentation and promotion as well as having a selective approach to exhibitors alongside a comprehensive roster of the best media, international and regional buyers and industry partners across the region. Firms to access Financing under DAGS The next Call for Proposals (CFP) for the Direct Assistance Grant Scheme (DAGS) will be published in August Prior to this launch Caribbean Export will be promoting the grant funding facility across the 15 CARIFORUM States, and offering proposal writing training in Member States which have historically had lower success rates for approval. To date a total of 142 grants have been awarded during the period ; 92 under the Regular Procedure and 50 under the Accelerated Procedure. We associate these results with our continued efforts to enhance technical capacity among firms and BSOs in the area of proposal writing across all 15 CARIFORUM States, commented Kirk Brown, Senior Grant Advisor. Caribbean Export has incorporated recommendations provided by stakeholders during the last round of training workshops held in CARIFORUM Member States and have revised the application form and guidelines for the Accelerated and Regular facilities. The most notable change is that beneficiaries (Signatories) of a grant contract under any Call for Proposals published during the period will not be eligible to apply in In order to be eligible for a grant, applicants must satisfy the following criteria: not be a Beneficiary (signatory) of a Grant Contract under any Call for Proposals published during the period be a firm (i.e. entity, individual or company) legally registered and operating in a CARIFORUM state; or be a legally registered Business Support Organization (BSOs) in a CARIFORUM state partnering with at least two (2) private sector firms; be firms trading and operational for at least two (2) years supported by last two years financial statements/accounts (no start-ups); be able to finance and sustain their projects fully at the beginning; that is 100% financing is available prior to project initiation; and be exporting or demonstrate their potential to export goods and services; The funding amounts remain unchanged for both facilities; 5,000 for the Accelerated Procedures and 30,000 for the Regular Procedures. These amounts represent the maximum sums to be reimbursed to beneficiaries. No funding assistance may exceed 70% ( 30,000 and 5,000) for the Regular and Accelerated Procedures respectively. Further information on the Direct Assistance Grant Scheme may be obtained from Caribbean Export s website and the Senior Grant Advisor, Kirk Brown at kbrown@carib-export. com. For additional Information about the Direct Assistance Grant Scheme please visit: Web: 2 Tradewatch The Official E-Newsletter of the Caribbean Export Development Agency Vol. 7 No. 1 January-February, 2013

3 Tradewatch COMPETITIVENESS & INNOVATION Break Point regional TV launch Continued from page 1 Break Point Investor Panel (l-r) Doug Richard, Alexander Amosu, Jonathan Pfahl and Mark Lewis at the final picthes in London, 2012 CARIFORUM countries and represented a diverse range of sectors and industries, such as Agro-Processing, Light Manufacturing, Creative Industries, Fashion and Garments, Professional Services, and Specialized Tourism. Break Point is a Caribbean Export initiative under and 10th European Development Fund s (EDF) Regional Private Sector Development Programme, in partnership with the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID) and the United Kingdom Trade and Investment (UKTI) and will be shown on national and regional television stations starting in April From a list of approximately 60 applicants, 30 firms were shortlisted based on evaluation criteria that spoke to demand, innovation, brand strength, Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) application, speed to market, and management strength. These firms then went through Break Point preparatory sessions in Barbados with coaches/ mentors, mostly affiliated with the UWI Cave Hill School of Business. They were provided with tools to improve their presentation skills and received feedback on how to enhance their business pitches and presentations. Having completed these sessions along with 2 follow up virtual coaching sessions these 30 firms made their business pitches at a regional event in front of a judging panel comprised of successful Caribbean entrepreneurs and business executives. These regional events took place in Jamaica, St. Lucia, and Barbados and firms were selected to present at 1 of these territories based on their geographic location. From these regional events, the judges selected 10 firms to move forward to the final round in London, along with the 2 firms, who emerged as winners at the pilot launch of Break Point during the 7th UK-Caribbean Forum in Grenada in January These 12 firms were given the once in a lifetime opportunity to travel to London during Caribbean Export s London Engage the last week of the Olympics to make their final pitches to angel investors, venture capitalists, distributors, etc.,and the chance to receive investment, joint ventures, and or distribution aimed at gaining access to the EU market. The Break Point series follows the journey of these 30 firms from their initial preparatory sessions at the UWI Cave Hill School of Business, to their regional pitches, the subsequent selection process that followed, and all the way to the 12 firms final pitches in London. The 30 Candidates that made it to Round 2 came from 10 different Keep up to date with news, events and opportunities: Caribbean Export Development Agency 1st Floor Baobab Tower Warrens, St Michael, Barbados Tel: info@carib-export.com Tradewatch The Official E-Newsletter of the Caribbean Export Development Agency Vol. 7 No. 1 January-February, 2013

4 Tradewatch TRADE & EXPORT DEVELOPMENT Trade Information Training for the Dominican Republic Participants of the Trade Information Training Programme, Data Processing and Collection Mechanism Training in the Dominican Republic Over twenty five (25) Business Support Organisations (BSOs) across the region are expected to participate in a regional workshop aimed at building their institutional capacities for delivering enhanced trade information services to their respective private sectors. This will be achieved through delivery of the 2nd Regional Trade Information Training Programme and Data Processing and Collection Mechanisms Training from February 25 to March 2, 2013 at the Hotel Magna 365 (formerly Hotel Nacional) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. This workshop is conducted by Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) under the EU funded 10th EDF Regional Private Sector Development Programme in partnership with the International Trade Centre, Geneva. The overall objective of the programme is to build capacity within the BSOs for providing enhanced trade information services such as business intelligence analysis, data collection and processing. This initiative is part of a wider programme of increasing the competitiveness of the regional private sector and involves the development of a regional market intelligence portal and the formation of management structures at the national and regional levels that would allow for more effective engagement of the private sector by BSOs based on the trade information needs for SMEs that have been identified. According to David Gomez, Manager Trade and Export Development at Caribbean Export, The programme has been strengthened but maintains an integrated approach that aims to provide technical competence for utilizing readily available tools for providing trade information services. It also provides specialized training to build capacity for managing data sources and organizing BSOs at the national level into trade information networks. Gomez further added that it continues to be important for the initiative to be understood within the broader context of the programme of private sector development being undertaken by Caribbean Export and that it is only one in a number of programmes and initiatives that have been refined and that will be made available over the next few years. The Regional Trade Information Training Programme will cover topics that help to improve trade information services through better management performance and knowledge of information sources; improve information research services through better knowledge of information research tools and techniques; and deal with issues relevant to establishing a regional trade information network within CARIFORUM and including mechanisms for information exchange. For this, the 2nd Regional Workshop, the agenda has been shortened to six days (instead of eight) and features a couple of new sessions on external trade information sources which augment the regional trade and market intelligence portal being developed by Caribbean Export that is expected to launch shortly. For additional information and interview opportunities about the Training Programme, please feel free to contact Mr David Gomez, Manager, Trade and Export Development at dgomez@carib-export.com. Participant registering for Trade Indormation Training with the assistance of Caribbean Export personnel 4 Tradewatch The Official E-Newsletter of the Caribbean Export Development Agency Vol. 7 No. 1 January-February, 2013

5 Tradewatch SUCCESS STORY Animation has come Full Circle Established in 2006, Full Circle Animation Studios is a state-ofthe-art design studio that focuses on animation, out-sourcing in 2D Animation and 3D Effects. The studio currently employs 10 persons full time and up to 20 on a project basis. The Studio also specializes in Real Flow technology, new-media production and training. Full Circle enjoys a vibrant environment that complements their young dynamic artists, animators, graphic designers and illustrators. The studio team has successfully completed several big animation projects and comprises of inhouse animators that have been trained in-house over the last two years. Full Circle is also the parent of the industry renowned annual Animae Caribe Animation Festival in Trinidad and Tobago. In June 2012, Full Circle participated in Caribbean Export Development Agency s Study Tour to Europe. The 2-week tour visited Berlin, Paris and Manchester consisted business-to-business meetings, site visits, high-level meetings and presentations, and the opportunity to participate in sector-specific missions and shows. The objective of the Study Tours were to expose CARIFORUM firms and Caribbean Export Week March 17-22, 2013, Barbados entrepreneurs in the Creative Industries sector to key players in the respective markets, develop business opportunities where possible, gather information about the regulatory environment, and to promote the development of instruments that can facilitate partnerships and possible joint ventures. Following the Study Tour to Europe, collaborative links were made with not only regional participants, but also more notably with potential business partners in Berlin and Paris. During the visit to Berlin, a business connection was made with Kevin Booker, Founder of Pop E.B. a video documentation company, which produces online media. The visit to the film festival office in Germany has also paid off in terms of the networking prospects that are available. France is considered to be one of the major success points of the Tour. Subsequent to the visit to Paris, Xilam - a French production company that specializes in animated series feature films has been in contact with the Studio and have shown interest in the body of work completed by the Trinidad and Tobagobased company. Full Circle is also currently completing a studio test (an assessment to determine aptitude, creativity and efficiency) with Xilam. Once successful, it is anticipated that both studios will collaborate on various animation projects. Other benefits still evolving include networking opportunities with CARICOM production firms and Animators in the Diaspora. Full Circle has targeted both North America and Europe as two major export markets but domestic and regional consumption is a first priority, shared Camille Abrahams, Chief Executive Officer. Abrahams also sees a great potential for regional animators to be highly successful in Europe and believes that further Study Tours similar to the one recently hosted by Caribbean Export is the ideal platform for the exploration of tangible benefits beyond basic networking. Contact Details: Full Circle Animation Studios Tel: 1-(868) info@fullcircleanimation.com Web: Activities Include March 17, 2013 March 18, 2013 March 19, 2013 March 20, 2013 Ecumenical Service People s Cathedral 9:00 AM Caribbean Export Board Retreat Caribbean Export Board Retreat Caribbean Exporter s Colloqium Hilton Hotel 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM March 20, 2013 March 21, 2013 Screening - Built to Last Documentary 7:00-8:00 PM Caribbean Exporter s Colloquium Hilton Hotel 9:00 AM - 1:45 PM Official Opening of Caribbean Export Office Cocktail Reception 4:30-7:30 PM 5 Tradewatch The Official E-Newsletter of the Caribbean Export Development Agency Vol. 7 No. 1 January-February, 2013

6 Tradewatch BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES RFP Notice - Investment Policy The Ministry of Commerce, Business Development, Investment and Consumer Affairs invites proposals from experienced professionals to provide consultancy services to undertake the development of an Investment Policy for Saint Lucia. Caribbean Export Career Opportunities Caribbean Export is currently looking for motivated individuals to fill the following positions: please visit our website for full details: Senior Advisor Operations (Barbados) Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Senior Advisor Operations is responsible for developing and maintaining the accounting systems and financial records for the Agency and assisting in overall management of the unit. The Senior Advisor Operations is responsible for the expenditure and control of all the financial assets and accounting for same of the Agency. The Advisor will also assist the Chief Operations Officer with funds planning and control, and will assist in fulfilling reporting requirements. Applications should be sent to abradshaw@caribexport.com and copied to wgraham@carib-export. com The deadline for applications is Monday, March 11, 2013 Programme Assistant (Santo Domingo) The Programme Assistant provides administrative support to the Agency. He or she will perform and/or oversee a variety of associated administrative, staff support and planning activities. The Programme Assistant will coordinate and facilitate meetings, programme-related functions, and/or special events as appropriate. He or she may coordinate specified administrative activities and reporting across multiple organizational units. Interested candidates must send a CV accompanied by a motivation letter to adiaz@carib-export. com copied to eoliveira@carib-export.com and abradshaw@carib-export.com. The deadline for applications is Friday, April 5, 2013 The proposed consultancy is being undertaken in the context of a broader national initiative that seeks to define the Government s overall philosophical approach to economic development and putting in place the defining cornerstones for future investment activity in Saint Lucia. The consultant will be required to review and assess the investment climate in Saint Lucia as well as existing policies of competing economies by sector and/or region. Suitable applicants must submit a proposal (including a technical and a financial sub- section) that seeks to achieve the stated objectives. Applicants are also advised to direct all questions regarding the terms of reference by to nancy. francis-charles@govt.lc or Tel: 1-(758) /65. All proposals are to be addressed to: Permanent Secretary Ministry of Commerce, Business Development, Investment and Consumer Affairs 4th Floor Heraldine Rock Building Waterfront, Castries, Saint Lucia Proposals may be sent via mail to the address noted above in Section 5, or by to the attention of the Permanent Secretary at: tpreville@gosl.gov.lc copied to nancy.francis-charles@govt.lc by March 18, 2013 at 4:30 pm. Proposals will not be considered unless they comply with the conditions set out in this notice. Late submissions will not be accepted. CFP - Integration and Trade Journal The Inter-America Development Bank s (IDB s) Integration & Trade Journal is calling for works that analyze specific aspects of South-South Cooperation as it pertains to Latin America and the Caribbean as a whole, or with regard to particular countries, subregions or integration initiatives. This call for papers aims to encourage the production and presentation of research, case studies, and diagnoses that examine this increasingly important cooperation modality and stimulate innovation and effectiveness in SSC in the LAC region. In this vein, it is looking for works that address one of the following thematic areas: The role of the private sector in South-South Cooperation; Triangular Cooperation experiences; The experiences of national, regional and bi-regional cooperation programs. For more information on the guidelines for submission visit The closing date for submissions is April 1, The works selected by the Editorial Committee will be published in Issue 36 of the Integration & Trade Journal due to appear in July Tradewatch The Official E-Newsletter of the Caribbean Export Development Agency Vol. 7 No. 1 January-February, 2013

7 Tradewatch STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS Caribbean Export Deputy Programme Manager - Haiti Caribbean Export welcomes Mrs. Yolette Azor to the Agency. Azor is a former Ambassador of Haiti in Brussels and Madrid and joins the organisation as Deputy Programme Manager for Haiti. Born in Haiti, Azor holds a Master in Macro Economics in Mexico DF and completed a Post Graduate in International Trade in ULB Brussels. As a civil servant, Azor held numerous functions from 1975 to 2011 including International Trade Director at the Ministry of Commerce and Ambassador of Haiti to Belgium, Holland and the Luxemburg; to South Africa, to the Kingdom of Spain. She was Permanent Representative of Haiti to the European Community, she has extensive experience in Customs, Diplomacy, International Trade and worked with the Lome Conventions and the 1st Cotonou Convention that was signed in June 2000 under her Presidency of the ACP Ambassadors. Now she is assuming her new function as Deputy Director of The Binational Programme HAITI/Dominican Republic. Mrs. Yolette Azor Deputy Programme Manager - Haiti/ Dominican Republic Binational Programme Tradewatch ABOUT US Caribbean Export Development Agency Head Office: 1st Floor Baobab Towers Warrens St Michael BB22026 BARBADOS, W.I. Tel: (246) Fax: (246) info@carib-export.com Sub Regional Office: Calle Carlos Lora No.9 Ensanche Los Restauradores Santo Domingo DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Tel: (809) Fax: (809) c.export@codetel.net.do Website: Caribbean Export s Key Result Areas And Goals Fostering an enabling environment for trade and investment within the region through regional integration, cooperation and advocacy initiatives designed to position the region more effectively in the world economy. Enhancing Competitiveness Increase the competitiveness of firms in CARIFORUM countries in selected sectors through investment, management and product development, market expansion and export diversification. Promoting Investment - Promote the Caribbean region as a prime destination for intra and extra-regional investment. Strengthening Institutional Capacity and Networking - Enhance the capacity of public and private sector BSOs, particularly sector associations, trade promotion organisations and investment promotion agencies, and support the development of vibrant Caribbean business networks to improve services to clients. We are very interested in your feedback. Please your comments to: tradewatch@carib-export.com. All material copyright 2013 Caribbean Export TradeWatch is made possible through the kind support of the European Union. 7 Tradewatch The Official E-Newsletter of the Caribbean Export Development Agency Vol. 7 No. 1 January-February, 2013