The importance of partnerships, shared values, and responsible business practices
Trade Forum talked with the President of the Network of Caribbean Chambers of Commerce CARICHAM, Petipha Lewis, how the not-for-profit organization succeeds in strengthening Chambers of Commerce and small businesses across the region, while advocating for greater collaboration and coordinated action among Caribbean nations to reduce barriers to trade.
A: CARICHAM, the Network of Caribbean Chambers of Commerce with headquarters in Grenada, comprises 25 Chambers from across the Caribbean, from the Bahamas to Suriname and Barbados to Belize. CARICHAM enables trade and business growth by connecting and strengthening Chambers of Commerce and business stakeholders across the region through partnerships, shared values, and responsible business practices.
While our trade missions help Caribbean businesses explore new markets and opportunities, our collaboration with the Caribbean Export Development Agency allow for training programmes that improve the export readiness of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in the region.
A: Our vision for the Caribbean is an integrated and prosperous region with resilient businesses and supportive ecosystems. Our long-term objective is to empower and support the private sector across the Caribbean for economic prosperity and a quality life for our people.
We aim to achieve this by fostering a more interconnected regional economy where businesses can thrive through improved market access, increased investment, and enhanced capacity to navigate the global marketplace. Our ongoing advocacy efforts for regional transportation, assistance in implementing Trade Facilitation Agreements and promoting harmonized trade regulations and standards across member states are all critical steps CARICHAM is taking towards this goal.
More initiatives include:
- Capacity building: We provide training, webinars, workshops, and conferences to enhance the capabilities of our Chambers and their members.
- Resource provision: Our online Center of Excellence offers resources covering ten thematic areas in various languages to support disaster preparedness, business continuity, and more.
- Facilitating connections: We organize both virtual and physical trade missions to create networking opportunities.
- Advocacy: We engage with governments, international agencies, and other stakeholders to advocate for policies that benefit the private sector.
A: We offer online and in-person training and workshops, covering topics from trade facilitation, and export readiness to digital transformation; online resources through our Center of Excellence; networking opportunities through trade missions and business forums; as well as advocacy and representing the interests of the private sector in discussions with governments and international organizations to ensure that their needs and concerns are addressed.
A: CARICHAM is forging strategic partnerships with a diverse array of organizations and stakeholders. Our developmental partners provide invaluable support through training and technical assistance, enabling us to deliver high-quality programmes to our members.
We have worked with the International Trade Centre (ITC) on several initiatives. For example, ITC has provided training and capacity-building support specifically in trade facilitation and the implementation of World Trade Organization (WTO) commitments. These collaborations have significantly helped us in supporting our members in navigating complex international trade landscapes.
A: In today’s globalized world, no single government, chamber, or business can achieve the economic prosperity necessary for our countries to thrive.
Disruptive technological innovations, climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and supply chain disruptions pose significant challenges that require collective action.
CARICHAM advocates for greater collaboration and more coordinated action among Caribbean nations to streamline processes and reduce barriers to trade by:
- Lobbying for harmonized trade policies to align regulations and standards across the region for smooth and efficient trade.
- Promoting greater economic integration and cooperation among Caribbean countries.
- Providing platforms for dialogue and collaboration between the private sector, governments, and international organizations to address common challenges and opportunities.
- Boosting the competitiveness of Caribbean businesses in the global market.
By focusing on these areas, we aim to create a more cohesive and resilient regional economy that can better withstand global challenges and drive sustained economic growth.
