Caribbean Export recently participated in the inaugural ITC SME Ministerial Meeting and Global Trade Promotion Organization (TPO) Leadership Dialogue, held in Johannesburg, South Africa. Hosted by the International Trade Centre (ITC) in collaboration with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat and Afreximbank, the event brought together trade ministers and TPO leaders from around the world to strengthen small business participation in international trade.
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Representing the Caribbean region, Dr Damie Sinanan, Executive Director of Caribbean Export, joined high-level discussions focused on boosting the role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within intra-African commerce. The three-day gathering prioritized policy recommendations to ensure that the unique challenges and contributions of SMEs are embedded in trade integration strategies.
A standout moment of the forum was Dr Sinanan’s keynote intervention during the roundtable on “Trade Promotion Organizations – Gateways to Facilitating Private Sector Gains from the AfCFTA.” This session highlighted the strategic function of TPOs in helping SMEs access continental opportunities, scale operations, and improve competitiveness.
In a collaborative discussion with Alberto Silini of Switzerland Global Enterprise, Dr Sinanan emphasized the importance of regional partnerships, shared knowledge, and practical tools to support SME growth across borders. Both leaders underlined the role of TPOs in aligning policy frameworks with business realities and in enabling investment flows between Africa and the Caribbean.
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Caribbean Export extended its congratulations to ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton and all organizing partners for successfully convening a dialogue that positions SMEs as engines of inclusive economic development.
As preparations continue for the upcoming Caribbean Investment Forum, Caribbean Export looks forward to welcoming Pamela Coke-Hamilton for the keynote, “Trade Resilience in a Fragmenting World: A Blueprint for the Caribbean.” Her ongoing leadership remains vital in shaping SME-led development and resilience across global regions.
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