Companies in the OECS which target the regional export market get an opportunity to showcase their goods and services directly to regional buyers at an OECS Trade Exhibition in St. Kitts/Nevis, June 21st to 23rd 2006.

The OECS Export Development Unit (EDU) which is organizing the exhibition expects more than 50 businesses from across the OECS to set up display booths.  In addition, EDU has received confirmation from about thirty buyers, mainly from the tourism/hospitality and distribution sectors.

The OECS export sector is targeting the regional markets as a priority market given the opportunities arising out of the recently initiated CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).  The tourism/hospitality sector is being specifically targeted as it prepares for the 2007 Cricket World Cup.  The refurbishing of existing hotel plant, construction of new rooms, and the anticipated influx of visitors, are expected to offer a significant market opportunity for OECS producers in the food and beverage, furniture, garment, art and craft, music and entertainment sectors.  EDU will facilitate the interfacing of the producers with the buyers and negotiate opportunities for entry of products and services into the wider Caribbean markets. 

The three-day exhibition, dubbed “Best of the OECS” will also include two workshops for participating exhibitors and buyers.  The first will look at trade related issues arising from ongoing negotiations at the regional and international level, with special focus on CSME arrangements. The other will address marketing opportunities arising out of the CSME and more specifically the Cricket World Cup 2007.

The OECS-EDU has been working over the last five years in getting OECS companies export ready through interventions in management enhancement, product development, quality assurance, market research, and product promotion.  Some 200 companies across the nine OECS Member States have been receiving various levels of technical assistance.  Independent evaluators have confirmed that between 50 and 75 of these companies are now exports ready and positioned to enter the regional and international markets.