Caribbean Export Development Agency invites CARIFORUM-based agro-processing and digital services firms to express interest in joining a high-impact business matchmaking mission to Europe, scheduled between October 2025 and February 2026. This initiative is implemented under the European Union’s Global Gateway Regional Private Sector Development Programme III (RPSDP) and aims to deepen Caribbean-EU economic engagement through the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

This mission will connect high-potential Caribbean firms with buyers, distributors, developers, investors, and innovation networks in Belgium, France, and the Netherlands—three strategic EU markets offering gateway access, consumer demand for Caribbean goods and services, and re-export advantages. Targeted sectors are:

1. Value-Added Agro-Processing – including sauces and condiments, tropical fruit products, heritage beverages including spirits, plant-based snacks, and other clean-label, organic, or sustainable food products.
2. Digital Services – including fintech, e-commerce platforms, UX/UI design, AI solutions, cybersecurity, and mobile app development.

Through pre-mission training, tailored market intelligence, and structured B2B meetings, participating firms will be positioned to expand market share, secure contracts, and establish long-term EU partnerships.

CARIBBEAN EXPORT SUPPORT

• Selected firms will receive support valued at over €10,000, each, including:
• Accommodation in European markets to undertake the mission and business matchmaking.
• Ground transport in the identified EU markets to facilitate the mission.
• Virtual training on EU market entry, compliance, and business pitching.
• On-the-ground matchmaking facilitation and networking in Brussels Belgium, including a Caribbean Products & Services Showcase.
• Visit to a trade expo where aligned with EU trade events.
• Minimum 3–5 pre-arranged B2B meetings per firm in each target country.
• Marketing and promotional material adapted for EU audiences.

FIRM RESPONSIBILITIES

• Return airfare to Europe and travel within Europe to the identified markets.
• Meals, personal expenses, and local transport (unless included in official programme).
• Other branded promotional material (brochures, business cards, etc.).
• Other associated expenses incurred during the trip, including the cost of shipment of samples, where applicable, travel insurance, visa fees etc.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested firms must:

1. Complete and submit the following form, Invitation to Participate in the 2025-2026 Caribbean Export Trade Mission to Europe – Belgium, France, and the Netherlands Survey.
2. Submit a 3–5-minute video introducing the company, stating motivation for joining, and outlining expected outcomes.

Applications should be submitted at the link above and accompanying videos emailed to [email protected] and copied to [email protected] by 23:59 AST, September 7, 2025.

Shortlisted firms may undergo an export readiness assessment. Final selection will be confirmed by September 30, 2025.

Selected firms will need to provide confirmed flight details 6 weeks before the mission.

Download the full EOI below.