Bridgetown, BARBADOS, April 4,
2019. Caribbean Export Development
Agency (Caribbean Export) in cooperation with Deutsche
Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ) and
T&T Coalition of services Industries hosted a Cultural and
Creative Industries Workshop in Trinidad and Tobago.

The event which occurred from March
27th - 28th, 2019 empowered Caribbean creative practitioners with the
much-needed information to build their export capacity.

Allyson Francis, Services Specialist of
the Caribbean Export noted that not only are the cultural and
creative industries a priority sector for regional governments but
also for Caribbean Export which will focus on the fashion, music,
animation and film sectors during 2019. She further stated that
‘…helping cultural practitioners to gain a better understanding
of the opportunities under the EPA and … to facilitate an
increasing number of services trading with Europe through the
Agreement.’ was extremely important.

The cultural and creative industry
globally generates more than US 2.2 billion in revenues and employs
more than 29 million people. During the economic downturn which
started in 2008, global exports of creative goods and services grew
annually by 14%, while international trade decreased by 12%. The
growth in this sector presents a tremendous opportunity for Caribbean
professionals who are now more equipped, due to the two-day Workshop,
to take advantage of this development engine.

The workshop discussed opportunities
under the EPA and presented an in-depth approach to critical topics
such as quality and standards, pricing strategy, intellectual
property rights, marketing and branding and creating unique value
propositions.

Seventy (70) creative professionals, in
the music, fashion and animation sectors, from the region, welcomed
the critical technical and practical information provided, fully
aware that it would be essential in assisting them in bridging the
gap to take full advantage of their export potential, particularly in
the European market.

To ensure the success and longevity of
this initiative Caribbean Export will engage the respective Coalition
of Services Industries to follow-up and provide support to the
participants.

About
Caribbean Export

Caribbean Export is
a regional export development and trade and investment promotion
organisation of the Forum of Caribbean States currently executing the
Regional Private Sector Programme funded by the European Union under
the 11th European Development Fund.

Caribbean Export’s mission is to increase the competitiveness of Caribbean countries by providing quality export development and trade and investment promotion services through effective programme execution and strategic alliances.

IMAGE (Supplied)