The Chamber of Commerce of Martinique, the OECS Commission, and the Caribbean Export Development Agency have partnered launched the Trade Enhancement in the Eastern Caribbean Project (TEECA), on Jan 31.

The programme is tailored for Martinique-based companies ready to export to Eastern Caribbean markets.

Traditionally, mainland France has been the first export destination, however opportunities offered in OECS member states have to be taken into account.

In order to start trading with Eastern Caribbean countries, entrepreneurs need to understand the markets, the legal environment and meet potential business partners. Hence, the inter regional Caribbean programme, TEECA, aims at fostering mutual knowledge and regional trade as well as strengthening companies competitiveness towards international markets through integration and most of all through an innovative process.

The programme is tailored for businesses with limited export experience.  Entrepreneurs participating in the TEECA project will benefit from a two-year individual and group coaching programme to ensure their products and services are export ready.

The TEECA Project is coordinated by the Chamber of Commerce of Martinique and co-funded by INTERREG Caraïbes under the FEDER (European Regional Development Fund). The project is also based upon the strong partnership between the OECS Commission and the Caribbean Export Development Agency.

Companies in areas such as the food industry, IT, environment, music and the fashion industry will be able to apply to the TEECA project from Feb. 1, through the website of the Chamber of Commerce of Martinique.