CARIBBEAN Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) welcomes Robert Glass of the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) to Caribbean Export to implement as Project Manager the German-funded Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) Project in the Caribbean.{{more}}

According to Glass, the 3-year 4 million Euro project will primarily focus on the region’s services sector, which has rarely been targeted for regional private sector promotion initiatives in the past, but has the potential to develop new market opportunities for the region under the EPA. In addition, the project will also assist in strengthening the capacities of regional and national EPA implementation units.

He continued, “The successful implementation of the EPA will strengthen the economic ties between CARIFORUM countries and the European Union (EU), as well as improve the enabling environment for business development in general, and contribute to regional integration and development of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

In welcoming Glass to Caribbean Export, Philip Williams, Executive Director of Caribbean Export, commended GTZ for its new regional initiative. He noted that Caribbean Export was pleased to have been selected by GTZ as a partner in this important regional project.

Glass, together with four long-term experts to be based at other institutions across the region, is expected to be with Caribbean Export for the two-year duration of the project. Glass has 20 years of international experience in technical cooperation, which includes 18 years in charge of international development projects, including those of the European Commission (EC), GTZ, German Development Service (DED) and Capacity Building International Germany (InWEnt).

GTZ is an Agency of the German Government and promotes reform processes for political, economic, ecological and social development in more than 130 countries around the world. Its objective is to improve people’s living conditions on a sustainable basis.