On March 13-14, 2024, team members from the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) attended the 2024 MSME International Conference and the VIII Inter-American Dialogue of High-Level MSME Authorities on the invitation of the Organization of American States (OAS) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. These events provided a platform for global leaders to converge and strategize on bolstering Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) worldwide.

Caribbean Export was front and center, joining esteemed speakers such as Misha Lobban Clarke, Dr. Claire A. Nelson, Rick C. Wade, and Anthony Hinojosa in a riveting panel discussion on ‘Tapping Diaspora Markets for MSME Export Success.’ This session not only showcased the agency’s expertise but also underscored its commitment to leveraging diaspora networks for the advancement of Caribbean businesses on the global stage.

The agency’s efforts did not go unnoticed, as fellow panelists, including Jodie Dublin-Dangleben from Jaydees Naturals in Dominica, commended Caribbean Export for its unwavering support for regional enterprises and its steadfast dedication to MSME development. Such accolades serve as a testament to the agency’s impactful initiatives and its pivotal role in driving economic growth across the Caribbean.

Beyond the confines of conference rooms, Caribbean Export seized the opportunity to engage with key stakeholders from prominent organizations such as The World Bank/IFC, USAID, Inter-American Development Bank, U.S. Department of State, Pan American Development Foundation, and RTI International. These engagements are instrumental in fostering new partnerships and strengthening existing ones, paving the way for collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing Caribbean resilience and prosperity.

One notable meeting took place with Ambassador Louis Harold JOSEPH, Charge d’Affaires a.i. at the Embassy of Haiti in the United States, where discussions revolved around Caribbean Export’s plans to bolster private sector development in Haiti. Among the initiatives on the table was the launch of a recovery facility in collaboration with interested partners, underscoring the agency’s commitment to supporting economic revitalization efforts in the region.

As the curtains drew to a close on a week filled with meaningful exchanges and strategic collaborations, Caribbean Export returned home imbued with a sense of purpose and determination. The collective spirit of cooperation that permeated throughout the conference reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to empower Caribbean MSMEs and drive sustainable growth and prosperity across the region.

In the wake of this fruitful week in Washington, DC, Caribbean Export stands poised to continue its mission of championing Caribbean businesses, forging strategic alliances, and propelling the region towards a brighter and more prosperous future.