EU-funded CDB programme strengthens trade capacity and competitiveness across Caribbean

A multi-million-euro regional initiative managed by the Caribbean Development Bank has delivered measurable improvements in trade systems, institutional capacity, and regional readiness across the Caribbean.

Funded by the European Union, the €8.7-million programme supported 15 countries, helping to strengthen national institutions and better position the region to pursue its development priorities, according to a CDB press release. The initiative combined efforts under the European Development Fund Economic Partnership Agreement Programme and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy Standby Facility for Capacity Building.

Speaking on the programme’s achievements, Lisa Harding, Division Chief of the Bank’s Private Sector Division, underscored the importance of collaboration, hands-on support, and targeted institutional strengthening. She noted that results were evident across sectors such as trade, agriculture, quality infrastructure, skills development, and export growth.

“This programme reinforces a lesson we know well. Transformation does not come from agreements alone. It comes from implementation, capable institutions, and sustained partnerships,” Harding said during a recent closing event.

Over its lifespan, the initiative reportedly delivered 27 interventions throughout the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) region, working with more than 100 institutions and providing upwards of 11,000 hours of technical assistance.  CDB asserts that these efforts contributed to tangible improvements in regional systems and capabilities.

Paula Byer, Barbados’ Director of Trade, pointed to the programme’s importance for small and vulnerable economies. She explained that while trade agreements open doors, countries must build the capacity to take advantage of those opportunities through stronger institutions and improved competitiveness.

“MSMEs are the backbone of proven economies, yet they face the greatest barriers in international trade. For Barbados, the objectives of this facility and programme align closely with our national development strategy and our commitment to regional integration. A stronger, more integrated CARIFORUM economy allows us to pool our resources, expand production networks, and compete more effectively on the global stage while external partnerships remain critical to our export diversification and sustainable growth,” she said.

The CDB reports that the European Union also reaffirmed its support for regional development. Chiara Tardivo, Team Leader for Economics and Trade, expressed satisfaction with the programme’s results, noting that it delivered concrete outcomes across participating countries.

Meanwhile, CARIFORUM Director General Alexis Downes-Amsterdam emphasized that market access alone is not enough to drive economic gains. She highlighted the need for financing, technical assistance, and institutional strengthening to help countries turn trade opportunities into real market presence.

The programme’s outcomes were showcased at a closing conference in Bridgetown, where stakeholders reflected on the five-year initiative. Each participating country received more than €350,000 in grant funding and technical support aimed at boosting trade readiness and competitiveness.

According to the release, key areas addressed included trade facilitation, export and value chain development, technical and vocational education and training, quality infrastructure, and food safety and certification standards—laying the groundwork for more resilient and competitive Caribbean economies.