Chambers of Commerce from across the Caribbean region gathered in Barbados on 1-2 April 2019 to formally launch the Network of Caribbean Chambers of Commerce (CARICHAM).
Executive Directors of 16 Chambers of Commerce from the following countries were in attendance: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Cuba, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname.
The objectives of CARICHAM are to:
- Determine the best mechanism(s) to represent the interest of the private sector on regional and international issues;
- Facilitate capacity building opportunities for members and representatives of the Chambers of Commerce;
- Promote trade and investment in the Caribbean and with other international trading partners;
- Identify and undertake training, and facilitate other cooperation programmes that will benefit the membership of the Chambers, as well as the next generation of Caribbean business leaders;
- Foster innovation and strategic collaboration among members to increase the global competitiveness of our industries;
- Develop and share business-to-business market intelligence;
- Share experiences and best practice in areas such as: trade and investment, renewable energy/energy efficiency, disaster risk reduction and climate change; and
- Add value as well as to identify opportunities for the members of the respective Chambers.
The memorandum of understanding to formally establish the network was presented to stakeholders at the launch and participants reviewed and finalised an action plan that is intended to guide its work. The meeting considered approaches to improve cooperation on issues related to Disaster Risk Reduction, Trade Facilitation and Promotion, Knowledge Sharing, Advocacy and a regional Membership Value Programme. The meeting provided an opportunity for the executive directors to interact with regional and international development partners.
The launch of CARICHAM is being supported by several stakeholders including: The United Nations Officer of Disaster Risk Reduction, the European Union, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, the Department for Emergency Management, the Caribbean Media Corporation, the CARICOM Secretariat, Compete Caribbean and the Caribbean Export Development Agency.
Source: Grenada Chamber of Industry and Commerce
