The OECS Export Development Unit EDU is implementing its component of the 9th Caribbean Trade and Private Sector Development Programme.

The main objective of this programme, financed by the European Union is to contribute to the gradual integration of OECS countries into the world economy, with a view towards enhancing regional economic growth; thus helping to alleviate poverty.

The programme will seek to provide support for “improvement of the regional business environment and competitive climate, the reinforcement of the capacity of private sector organizations and service providers, and the promotion of new forms of business collaboration, clustering and trade facilitation with a focus on SMEs".

Priority issues of the programme for 2006 are:

• To increase the competitiveness of firms in the OECS region
• To take advantage of the CSME or any other bilateral arrangements signed by the region such as vertical or horizontal alliances across the region
• To foster intra regional cooperation to enhance productivity and take advantage of economy of scale
• Promote programmes of impact into underdeveloped areas or disadvantage sectors within the region (rural areas, women, etc)

New export sectors are to be identified and promoted as direct support is provided to selected companies through the implementation of a Matching Grant facility as well as technical services delivered through EDU's professional team of Business Development officers. Those actions will be supported by national Business Services Organizations (BSO) who will receive special attention in capacity building for increased collaboration with EDU.

The OECS Export Development Unit (based in Dominica) is calling for proposals for grant assistance under the 9th European Development Fund (of the European Communities) from Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia as wells as St Vincent & the Grenadines. The deadline for submission of applications is AUGUST 31ST 2006 at 4:30 p.m.
Queries can be sent to OECS-EDU at email address This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Further information is available on the OECS-EDU’ website at www.oecs.org/edu

Recently the OECSEDU staged an unprecedented Trade Show entitled “ The Best of the OECS”  in Bassterre St. Kitts-Nevis as part of activities  marking the 25th Anniversary of the OECS.