Relevant Background

With the support of the European Union (EU) under the Global Gateway Regional Private Sector Development Programme (RPSDP III), Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) is pleased to launch a new consultancy opportunity focused on strengthening the export readiness of MSMEs in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

In 2008, the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) was established to boost trade and investment between CARIFORUM states and the EU. While EU exports to the Caribbean have increased, CARIFORUM’s exports to the EU have faced challenges due to limited market access capacity, technical barriers, and a lack of key certifications.

Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) form the backbone of the Caribbean economy and must be equipped with the necessary tools to compete effectively in global markets. Caribbean Export, through successive EDF-funded programmes, has been advancing the technical capacity of these enterprises. With this consultancy, we aim to deepen that support, focusing specifically on international certification, packaging, labelling, and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards required for entry into the EU market.

This consultancy is a critical part of Caribbean Export’s wider initiative to bolster the capacity of MSMEs in the OECS. It will deliver virtual and in-country training, targeted technical assistance, and business-to-business matchmaking, while fostering long-term institutional partnerships with regional standards bodies such as CROSQ and National Standards Bureaux.

Contracting Authority

Caribbean Export Development Agency

Beneficiary Countries

Private sector SMEs in the subregion of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States; namely Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Summary of Objectives and Scope of Work

Overall Objective:
To enhance the competitiveness of MSMEs in the OECS by equipping them with the necessary knowledge and certifications to access the European Union (EU) market.

Specific Objectives:

• Raise awareness of the role of international standards and certifications in export readiness.
• Improve SME compliance with EU packaging, labelling, and sanitary/phytosanitary standards.
• Deliver technical support to help MSMEs achieve certifications such as HACCP and ISO.
• Promote business-to-business (B2B) linkages between Caribbean and EU firms.
• Strengthen long-term trade capacity and market access for OECS-based MSMEs.

Scope of Work:

• Conduct research on EU certification and labelling requirements, with a focus on pre-packaged food.
• Assess SMEs’ current capabilities and identify gaps in meeting EU market standards.
• Design and deliver regional workshops (virtual, hybrid, or in-person) targeting Tier 1 and Tier 2 firms.
• Provide tailored technical assistance, including on-site audits and customized action plans.
• Collaborate with national and regional standards organizations (e.g., CROSQ).
• Monitor SME progress and provide reporting, including recommendations and performance outcomes.
• Conduct “train-the-trainer” sessions to build institutional knowledge and ensure programme sustainability.

Duration

The consultancy is expected to be completed within four (4) months, starting on September 1, 2025.

Submission Guidelines

Interested consultants are invited to submit:

• A Technical Proposal outlining their approach to the consultancy and relevant experience.
• A Financial Proposal in Euros.
• The completed Applicant Declaration Form: Download Here

Proposals should be submitted via email to:

📧 Mrs. Natasha Edwin-Walcott – Lead, Export Development and Promotion
📧 Ms. Mikaela Franklyn – Export Development and Promotion Officer
✉️ Email: [email protected] and [email protected]

Deadline for submission: 8th August 2025 at 11:59 PM AST

Please see below to download full terms of reference for this consultancy.