Project Description

Title: Organization of the 3rd CARIFORUM-EU Business Forum: preparation of the event (content) and mobilisation of high level participants from the Caribbean region and the European Union

Project Location: Jamaica

Whilst the purpose of this contract was to enable public-private dialogue on private sector development issues (i.e. regional integration), notably through support to EU-ACP Business Fora, Investor Symposia, conferences, consultation meetings and other events, more specifically, the project aimed to contribute to enhancing dialogue between European and Caribbean business leaders and impacting the business and investment reform agenda in the Caribbean region, as well as helping the Caribbean reap the benefits of the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). The success of the project was measured by the effective organization of the 3rd CARIFORUM-EU Business Forum, the delivery of relevant reports (e.g. summary of proceedings, roadmaps, conclusions and recommendations) and communication around the Forum and measures to improve the business environment and business opportunities.

In this respect, the expected results were:

(1) A 2-Day CARIFORUM-EU Business Forum successfully prepared (content & logistics) and held: i.e. concept paper, agenda, speakers (moderators), participants, background documents (studies, notably on the 3 sectors targeted – agro-processing, higher education and music), etc. developed and made available in English and French. A maximum of 150 participants from the Caribbean and Europe and from the Pacific and Africa to attend with high visibility and communication ensured (extremely positive feedback has been received from many of the participants); and

(2)  One (1) comprehensive study including recommendations and roadmap for enhancing the business and investment climate in the Caribbean and creating business opportunities between the Caribbean and Europe, notably within the 3 sectors targeted (agro-processing, creative industries (music) and services (higher education)).