Caribbean Export, the pioneering regional trade and investment promotion agency representing the Caribbean, has cemented another strategic partnership to accelerate private sector growth in the Caribbean. The agency has teamed up with Business France, National Agency for the promotion and internationalization of the French economy. Together, they aim to create an environment conducive to growth and innovation, facilitating investment and trade flows between France and the Caribbean region. 

This landmark collaboration, officially sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), sets the stage for a close and mutually beneficial partnership between Caribbean Export and Business France. The MOU outlines a range of areas of cooperation, each designed to drive progress and growth for the private sector in the Caribbean region. 

The key areas of cooperation are as follows: 

1. Exchange of Information: The Parties will share information and knowledge on training, capacity building, technology transfer, and business opportunities. This sharing of data will provide valuable insights and help bridge the gap between France and the Caribbean. 

• Technical Collaboration and Best Practices Exchange: The cooperation will extend to enhancing the ease of doing business and the effectiveness of their respective organizations. The exchange of technical expertise, knowledge, and training opportunities will foster growth and competitiveness in the region. 

• Effective Business Promotion: Both Caribbean Export and Business France will work together to support business delegations, encourage expert visits for fact-finding, and participation in events organized by each party. Follow-up and support for these activities are assured. 

• Investment and Trade Facilitation: This collaboration aims to encourage reciprocal investment and export of services, along with the provision of facilitation services to investors and exporters. Guidance and advice for potential investors and exporters will be a cornerstone of this cooperative effort. 

Deodat Maharaj, Executive Director of Caribbean Export, expressed his enthusiasm for this strategic partnership, saying, “We are thrilled to join forces with Business France to strengthen the private sector in the Caribbean. Our collaboration will unlock new opportunities for businesses in our region and foster economic growth. Together, we will build bridges that connect the Caribbean to France, creating a platform for innovation, trade, and investment.” 

Philippe Yvergniaux, Director for International Cooperation at Business France, outlined the importance of this new milestone for the French agency : “the Caribbean region clearly deserved a better place in Business France’s geographic priorities, as it offers many trade and investment opportunities for French SMEs; the partnership with Caribbean Export will help foster trade links between Caribbean and French SMEs, in particular from the Guadeloupe, Guyane and Martinique territories”.

Caribbean Export is known for its unwavering commitment to increasing market intelligence, fostering access to finance for export-ready SMEs, and advocating for an enabling environment for business growth. Business France, on the other hand, has an impressive track record of developing internationalization for French companies and attracting foreign investment into France. 

Through this partnership, both entities will leverage their strengths and experiences to facilitate the growth of the private sector in the Caribbean, leading to economic development and enhanced global competitiveness. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the region’s business landscape and opens doors to opportunities that promise to benefit both the Caribbean and France.