Bridgetown, BARBADOS, March 30, 2016. The search for the Caribbean Exporter of the Year Award (CEYA) winner for 2016 is on.

In addition to recognising the substantial contribution made by the region’s private sector to the Caribbean economy, the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) seeks to cement an exporting ethos in the minds and operations of the regions private sector, in addition to those looking to start businesses. Under the theme ‘Celebrating 20 Years of Supporting Exports’, the Awards will mark a significant milestone as the Agency commemorates 20 years of operations in June 2016.

There are five awards to be presented at this year’s ceremony: Emerging Exporter of the Year; Female Exporter of the Year; Green Exporter of the Year; Caribbean Exporter of the Year; and a Special Award for Excellence in Services Exports. Following last years’ inaugural event, Caribbean Exporter of the Year award winner Sacha Cosmetics has continued to grow in to new markets such as Cuba and Panama. In challenging markets such as Cuba, the Award contributed to the credibility of the company to penetrate the strict government buying process.

“Recognising and supporting our region’s exporters is a key aspect to helping companies be more competitive and to penetrate existing and new export markets further. It’s also simply nice to receive an award!” expressed Executive Director, Pamela Coke Hamilton. “The fact of the matter is our exporters work hard in very challenging times, and although the Agency facilitates a number of interventions to assist them the CEYA Award and the promotion or accolades that come with it should not be marginalised”.

This 2nd staging of the Caribbean Exporter of the Year Awards is supported by the European Union as part of the 10th EDF Regional Private Sector Development Programme and is hoped to foster and strengthen a greater export culture throughout the Caribbean by giving significant recognition to the winners and sending a strong message to current and potential buyers, investors or other stakeholders that these exporters are market leaders and successful business persons. Details of previous winners and information on how to apply can be found on the Agency’s website: http://www.carib-export.com/caribbean-exporter-of-the-year-awards-2016/

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 10th 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.
More information about Caribbean Export can be found at www.carib-export.com. Contact: JoEllen Laryea, PR and Communications, Caribbean Export Development Agency, Tel: +1(246) 436-0578, Fax: +1(246) 436-9999, Email: [email protected]