The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) will host the EPA & CSME Standby Facility Programme Closeout Conference on April 27, 2026, bringing together regional and international stakeholders to reflect on the outcomes and lessons of a five‑year capacity‑building initiative funded under the 11th European Development Fund (EDF). Implemented in partnership with the European Union and the CARIFORUM Directorate, the programme supported 15 Caribbean countries in strengthening their trade readiness and competitiveness in regional and international markets.

Through targeted technical assistance and grant funding of over €350,000 per participating country, the Programme addressed critical development priorities including trade facilitation, export and value‑chain development, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), quality infrastructure, and food safety and certification standards. The closeout conference provides a platform to highlight achievements, share country experiences, and discuss how these interventions contribute to sustainable private sector growth and deeper integration within the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and beyond.
 

Agenda 

9:00 am                 Registration

10:00 am               Opening Ceremony 

                              Ms. Lisa Harding, CDB 

                              Ms. Chiara Tarvido, European Union Team Leader

                              Ms. Alexis Downes-Amsterdam, CARIFORUM Directorate 

                              Senator The Honourable Christopher Sinkler, Government of Barbados                              

11:00 am              Panel Discussion: Breaking Barriers, Expanding Opportunities 

                            Mr. Sheldon Jackman, Delegation of the European Union to Barbados

                            Dr. Natasha Ward, Senior Trade Policy and Private Sector Consultant 

                            Ms. Chantol Dormer, Jamaica Business Development Corporation

                            Mr. Brendon Johnson,Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality 

12:15 pm             Lunch 

1:30 pm               Programme Highlights 

                            Trade Facilitation in the Caribbean 

                            Strengthening the Agri Value Chain and Export Development

                            TVET Capacity Building for Regional Development

                            Quality Infrastructure Strengthening 

                            Food Safety and Certification Standards

3:45pm                   Wrap up