Background

The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) is implementing the European Union’s Global Gateway Regional Private Sector Development Programme III (RPSDP). The overall objective of the RPSDP is to increase employment creation, inclusiveness, and overall poverty reduction in CARIFORUM countries through targeted interventions that provide new and innovative frameworks for growth and development.

As the regional trade and investment promotion agency for the CARICOM Member States and the Dominican Republic, Caribbean Export is leading efforts to enhance private sector export capacity and competitiveness. Aligned with the 2025–2028 Strategic Plan, “Transforming the Caribbean Through a Resilient Private Sector,” Caribbean Export is seeking to undertake a trade mission to Europe as part of a wider effort to deepen market access, expand export earnings, and foster inclusive, innovation-driven growth.

Despite the EPA being in effect since 2008, regional utilisation rates remain below potential. Limited awareness of EPA benefits, regulatory complexities, and weak market connections continue to constrain Caribbean exporters—particularly micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). This trade mission to Europe is therefore a direct response to the urgent need to diversify export markets, reduce vulnerability to external shocks, and enhance the competitiveness of Caribbean firms in high-growth sectors. It is designed to leverage the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)—a comprehensive trade and development agreement that provides CARIFORUM states with duty-free and quota-free access to the EU for most goods and preferential treatment for services.

The trade mission directly addresses these constraints by providing a structured, supported entry point into three of the EU’s most strategic and accessible markets: Belgium, France and the Netherlands.

These markets were strategically selected for their complementary strengths:

• Belgium is home to EU institutions and global distribution networks, making it a critical gateway to broader European commercial engagement.
• France offers a dynamic consumer base with rising demand for sustainable, natural, and culturally distinct products and services
• The Netherlands is a top re-export hub with world-class logistics infrastructure and one of Europe’s most open economies.

In terms of sectors of interest, the trade mission anticipates a dual-track approach, reflecting two priorities of Caribbean Export: value-added agro-processing and digital trade.

Agro-processing remains one of the most vital pillars of the regional economy, representing a major share of the manufacturing sector and contributing significantly to employment, rural livelihoods, and export earnings. However, many agro-processors face barriers related to certification, logistics, and market entry. This mission will help bridge those gaps through in-market exposure, buyer linkages, and targeted technical support.

Given the rising demand and interest in the European Union for ethnic, organic, clean-label, sustainable, and health-conscious food products, Caribbean offerings such as natural sauces, tropical fruit products, heritage beverages, and plant-based snacks—align with these trends. Moreover, the alignment with EPA preferences relative to the CARIFORUM-EU EPA which provides duty-free, quota-free access for agro-processed goods, offers a clear competitive advantage.

Digital trade represents the future of global commerce and an immense opportunity for small states to overcome traditional limitations of scale and geography. Caribbean digital firms, particularly in fintech and software development, mobile applications and e-commerce are agile, innovative, and ready to engage in high-value service exports. By tapping into Europe’s booming digital economy and startup ecosystems, this mission seeks to position Caribbean firms as viable digital partners on the global stage.

Given the global demand for digital solutions, European markets are undergoing rapid digital transformation, creating opportunities for service providers in User Experience/User Interface fintech, e-commerce platforms, cybersecurity, and AI. Moreover, given that Digital services can be delivered virtually, bypassing many traditional trade barriers and physical infrastructure limitations, the sector attracts a low trade friction. Additionally, the CARIFORUM-EU EPA includes commitments on services and e-commerce, providing a legal framework for Caribbean digital firms to operate in the EU.

It is also evident that this trade mission is taking place at a critical geopolitical moment including the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy’s commitment to sustainable partnerships with regions like the Caribbean, with a focus on climate resilience, digital transformation, and inclusive economic development. Caribbean Export’s initiative therefore aligns with these goals and represents a concrete step toward deepening EU-CARIFORUM economic cooperation.

Both sectors represent high-growth, high-value opportunities for the Caribbean’s private sector. While agro-processing strengthens rural and agricultural linkages, digital trade drives innovation, youth employment, and services exports. Together, they reflect the dual imperative of transforming traditional industries and embracing future-ready sectors—positioning the Caribbean as a diverse and dynamic partner in Europe’s trade and investment landscape.

Contracting Authority

The contracting authority for this assignment is the Caribbean Export Development Agency (hereinafter Caribbean Export/the Agency).

Beneficiary Countries

CARIFORUM Region: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.

Target Groups

CARIFORUM Agro-processors.

CARIFORUM Digital Developers providers.

Overall Objective

The overall objective of the consultancy is to enhance the export competitiveness of CARIFORUM exporters in the named categories to meet the increasing demand for their products and services in the European market.

Specific Objectives

Specifically, this consultancy aims to retain the services of an international trade and market access expert(s) who will:

• Facilitate market entry for at least 12 high-potential Caribbean firms in agro-processing and digital sectors.
• Forge business linkages with European importers, distributors, investors, and innovation networks;
• Promote Caribbean-made products and digital solutions as competitive and export-ready;
• Deepen Opportunities for trade under the CARIFORUM-EU EPA by enabling firm-level engagement in key EU markets. This will include engagement opportunities such as meeting, business-to-business meetings and product showcases.

Logistics and Timing

Work is expected to commence 1 October 2025, with the mission occurring no later than February 28th, 2026.

Requirements

The selected consulting firm or individual expert(s) must demonstrate extensive experience and expertise in international trade, market access, business matchmaking, and SME export development, particularly with a focus on the Caribbean and European Union markets.

• At least 7–10 years of demonstrated experience in international trade facilitation, export promotion, or global business development, particularly in emerging markets or developing economies.
• Proven success designing and implementing B2B matchmaking missions or trade delegations targeting the EU market.
• In-depth knowledge and professional experience working in one or both of the following sectors:
• Agro-processing: including certification processes (e.g., HACCP, Organic, Fairtrade), food safety standards, and supply chain logistics for EU markets.
• Digital Services and ICT: including experience with SaaS, fintech, AI, UX/UI design, cybersecurity, e-commerce platforms, or mobile app development.
• Strong familiarity with European Union market regulations, buyer behaviour, certification requirements, and trade preferences under the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).
• Previous work supporting SMEs to navigate EU regulatory frameworks for goods and services (e.g., CE marking, GDPR, VAT compliance).
• Proven understanding of Caribbean business environments, SME constraints, and export readiness challenges.
• Prior experience engaging with CARIFORUM SMEs, BSOs, or export promotion agencies is a strong asset.
• Demonstrated experience developing B2B matchmaking schedules, organising buyer-seller meetings, and facilitating trade networking in EU markets.
• Strong network and direct access to buyers, distributors, importers, investors, and innovation hubs in Belgium, France, and the Netherlands.
• Ability to design and deliver export readiness training for SMEs, including modules on:
• EU buyer engagement strategies
• Export documentation and compliance
• Business pitching and cross-cultural communication
• Experience supporting SMEs in developing pitch decks, promotional material, and product/service profiling.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required; working knowledge of French and/or Dutch is a strong asset.

Submission Guidelines
Interested candidates should submit the following:

• Technical proposal to meet scope of works identified
• Financial proposal in EUROs
• Applicant Declaration form in paragraph 14

Submit proposals by email to trademission@carib-export.com and copied to technicalprogrammes@carib-export.com

Deadline for submission: 7 September 2025 at 11:59 PM AST