Bridgetown, BARBADOS, September 19, 2016. The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) will host the 2^nd Annual Caribbean Exporter of the Year Awards at the Hilton Barbados Resort, Bridgetown Barbados on the evening of September 27, 2016 in recognition of the stellar contribution made by the region’s exporters to the regional economy.

The Awards were conceptualised to ultimately support the creation of an export culture across the region by encouraging CARIFORUM firms to either begin exporting, or to expand their exports and thus by extension, contribute towards the sustainability of our economies.

This year, there will be six (6) awards presented to exporters. These are the Female Exporter of the Year, sponsored by RBC Royal Bank, which recognises a successful exporting company with a female principle shareholder; the Emerging Exporter of the Year sponsored by the Automotive Art Group, which recognises companies that have begun exporting within the last 3 years and have experienced great success; and the Green Exporter of the Year sponsored by Williams Industries Inc, which recognises firms that have invested in the utilisation of alternative or renewable energy solutions in their operations to reduce production costs and export more, whilst reducing their carbon footprint. Other awards to be given on the night are the Special Award for Excellence in Services Exports, the Caribbean Export Choice Award, and the overall Caribbean Exporter of the Year.

The Caribbean Exporter of the Year Awards is one of the Agency’s activities to commemorate its 20th Anniversary Year and is supported by the European Union as part of the 10^th EDF Regional Private Sector Development Programme. The Awards contribute towards the Agency’s goal of fostering and strengthening a greater export culture across the Caribbean, by giving significant recognition to the winners. In doing so it raises awareness among current and potential buyers, investors or other stakeholders that these exporters are market leaders and successful business persons.

About Caribbean Export

Caribbean Export is a regional export development and trade and investment promotion organisation of the Forum of Caribbean States (CARIFORUM) currently executing the Regional Private Sector Programme (RPSDP) funded by the European Union under the 10^th European Development Fund (EDF) 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.