CARICOM Trade Support Programme
Of Trinidad And TobagoWHAT IS THE CTS PROGRAMME? The CARICOM Trade Support Programme is a comprehensive loan facility of TT$100 million (US$16.5M) established by the Government of Trinidad and, Tobago and under the aegis of the Ministry of Trade and Industry. The Programme is designed to assist CARICOM States to enhance their economic performance by fostering the process of diversification and improved trade capacity. The main component of the Programme, is a US $16 million fund, which is to be disbursed as a loan, on an interest free basis to firms in CARICOM, except those located in Trinidad & Tobago, to procure technical assistance/consultancy service and/or training programmes, among others, for business development and improvement projects. It will encourage the revitalization of firms and businesses in other CARICOM Member States through the expansion and diversification of their operations and processes that will foster growth, improved efficiencies and effectiveness, and ultimately better export performance. OBJECTIVE OF PROGRAMME The overall objective of the CTS Programme is to foster trade and economic development in CARICOM. Other objectives include: Redressing the imbalance in intra regional trade which stands in favour of Trinidad and Tobago. The development of more efficient and competitive business enterprises through strategic alliances including joint ventures, integration of production operations etc. Facilitating the development of a cadre of entrepreneurs which would increase the creation of regional wealth. The general enhancement of cooperation and collaboration between Trinidad and Tobago and its sister CARICOM States. Facilitating the development of Pan-Caribbean companies. Encouraging sectoral development programmes and initiatives at the national and regional levels.
Beneficiary Countries Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Suriname. The components of the Programme include: · Technical Assistance funding through interest-free loans to procure the services of consultants and service providers. · Direct Investment by firms from Trinidad and Tobago through joint ventures or strategic alliances. The Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce (CAIC) will coordinate such interest in cases where neither of the parties is located in Trinidad & Tobago. · Technical inputs from private sector organisations of Trinidad and Tobago, and other Member States via the CAIC Consulting services eligible for a CTSP loan Technical Assistance funding will be provided for activities such as Human Resource Development & Training, Development of Strategic and Business Plans and Feasibility Studies, Marketing Sales promotion, Distribution (website development & e-commerce), Financial Management and Production Management. Eligible Projects The key sectors which will be considered for technical assistance under the Programme: Manufacturing/Consumer Products Agriculture/Fisheries Information Technology Tourism Construction and Wood processing Other Services including the Entertainment Industry
The various components of the Programme such as companies eligibility, loan application procedures, project evaluation, disbursement and others can be viewed at http://www.caricomtradesupport.org To Top | 
