BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC—The Barbados-based Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ)says it is pleased with the outcome of the largest European Union (EU)- -funded project, which it describes as a pivotal initiative that has bolstered trade opportunities for Caribbean businesses.
The accolades followed the successful implementation of the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) Programme, Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Component.
The EU funded the program in 2019 and involved 16 Caribbean Community Forum (CARIFORUM) countries.
The event brought together key stakeholders from national, regional, and international agencies, donors, and industry. They gathered to celebrate the project’s achievements and get a glimpse of the next phase in developing quality infrastructure for the region.
“The 11th EDF EPA TBT Programme has been instrumental in reinforcing the Caribbean’s quality infrastructure, enabling us to meet international standards more effectively,” said Mrs. Sharonmae Smith-Walker, chief executive officer of the Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation.
“Through this program, we have established state-of-the-art reference laboratories in areas such as food safety, environmental testing, and metrology, which are critical for ensuring the safety and quality of products in the Caribbean.”
Sheldon Jackman, Project Manager European Union toUnion’s delegationados, the Eastern Caribbean States, the OECS, and CARICOM and CARIFORUM, Sheldosed the EU’s ongoing commitment to supporting the region’s development.
“The success of the 11th EDF EPA TBT program demonstrates the power of partnership. The EU is proud to have contributed to establishing a robust quality infrastructure that will continue to support the Caribbean’s economic growth and integration into the global economy. We look forward to the next phase of this important work.”
The Deputy Programme Manager of CARIFORUM Directorate, Mrs. Yvanette Baron-George, underscored the program’s broader implications, noting that it “has not only improved the region’s technical capabilities but has also enhanced our ability to engage in international trade, with more companies being given the competitive edge through new market opportunities, with the adherence to standards and quality procedures.
The project partners, INDOCAL and the German National Metrology Institute (PTB), also spoke of the strengthened partnerships that resulted from cooperation not just within CARIFORUM but also with the European Union, which led to the project’s success.
“The 11th EDF EPA TBT Programme delivered a range of benefits to the Caribbean, including the development of regionally harmonized standards; training of professionals in the science of measurement (metrology), quality promotions, and conformity assessment, and accreditation of national laboratories,” according to CROSQ.
It said quality-focused private sector engagements and the certification of several businesses were among the project’s highlighted successes.
“As we move into the next phase, we are committed to continuing our collaboration with our partners and stakeholders to ensure that the Caribbean remains at the forefront of quality and standards development. We aim to create a sustainable, resilient quality infrastructure that supports the region’s economic growth and improves the quality of life for all Caribbean citizens.” Mrs. Smith-Walker said.
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