Business View Magazine | May 2020

10 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE MAY 2020 FROM THE CAR I BBEAN The position of the Caribbean in this global environment as the world emerges from this pandemic will be critical Export) is forced to revisit its programme, mode of operation and how it supports the regional private sector in the midst of the crisis. Caribbean Export, like other organisations across the world, is currently implementing significant changes to the delivery of existing services through the use of technology and exploring what additional services are required by its stakeholders during and post the current crisis. We recognise that whilst many of the challenges at the micro level remain unchanged such as access to finance and access to new markets, they will be significantly more acute and new challenges will emerge. Against this changing landscape we appreciate that the status quo cannot endure. Caribbean Export in collaboration with the Delegation of the European Union in Barbados will explore a number of initiatives focusing on SME development in response to the current COVID 19 pandemic and the potential adverse effect this will have on regional firms. In this regard, a strategic approach has been adopted, in collaboration with the Caribbean Development Bank to conduct two surveys targeting SMEs and Business Support Organisations to collect basic information from key stakeholders to identify the most relevant and effective interventions in a timely manner. Further, a grant facility along with other capacity building programmes to be executed will form part of a regional approach to support poverty reduction, economic and social resilience within the Caribbean in response to this global crisis. Over the next few months Caribbean Export will be providing direct support to firms in collaboration with its strategic partners to ensure companies receive much needed access to finance. We’ve had to re-think our strategy in order to have a nimbler approach in light of the COVID-19 environment. Under this direct support programme, firms will be able to apply for a grant to be used for a range of initiatives based on the stakeholder survey currently being conducted. In addition to access to finance, Caribbean Export provides a range of capacity building initiatives which will now be delivered online via webinars and our online e-learning platform. The Agency will be hosting its first webinar on Thursday 16th April at 2pm on finance and accounting outsourcing with more to come on