FORT-DE-FRANCE, Martinique--The Chamber of Commerce of Martinique, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission and the Caribbean Export Development Agency have partnered to launch the Trade Enhancement in the Eastern Caribbean Project TEECA, tailored for Martinique-based companies ready to export for the first time to Eastern Caribbean markets.
Traditionally, mainland France has been Martinique’s first export destination. However, the Martinique Chamber of Commerce says opportunities offered in member nations of the OECS should be explored.
“In order to start trading with Eastern Caribbean countries, entrepreneurs need to understand the markets, the legal environment and meet potential business partners. Hence, the [European Territorial Cooperation – Ed.] Interreg Caraïbe programme TEECA aims at fostering mutual knowledge and regional trade as well as strengthening companies’ competitiveness towards international markets through integration and most of all through an innovative process,” the Chamber said.
TEECA targets businesses with limited export experience.
Entrepreneurs participating in the project will benefit from a two-year individual and group coaching programme to ensure their products and services are export-ready.
The TEECA Project is coordinated by the Chamber of Commerce of Martinique and co-funded by Interreg Caraïbes under the European Regional Development Fund FEDER. The project is also based on a partnership between the OECS Commission and the Caribbean Export Development Agency.
Companies in areas such as the food industry, information technology (IT), environment, music and the fashion industry have been able to apply to the TEECA project as of last week Thursday, February 1, through the website of the Chamber of Commerce of Martinique. ~ Caribbean360 ~
