SUPPORTING TRADE, INVESTMENT AND DEVELOPMENT ACROSS THE CARIBBEAN AND CENTRAL AMERICA

Transcription

1 SUPPORTING TRADE, INVESTMENT AND DEVELOPMENT ACROSS THE CARIBBEAN AND CENTRAL AMERICA

2 WELCOME The Caribbean Council has a proud history of supporting the private sector led development of the Caribbean, Cuba and Central America and supporting closer trade and investment ties between UK, Europe and the region. We have supported sectors as diverse as rum, tourism, financial services and sugar, and have worked with investors and trade partners from around the world who are interested in developing their market presence in the Caribbean region. Based in London, but with consultants across the region, we pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality events and research about the region, insightful analysis, and effective government relations campaigns to support the region s development such as tackling unfair tax or tariff treatment on goods and services. CHRIS BENNETT Managing Director The strength and range of the Caribbean Council s network of contacts and its service offering means we can regularly guarantee high level corporate and government contacts; receive essential business, political and economic information; and link into new networks of business contacts. We also publish weekly news briefings about the region giving the information and market intelligence which companies need to develop and maintain their businesses across the Caribbean, Cuba and Central America. Over the years, we have developed an unrivalled programme of activities and market intelligence on the Caribbean, Cuba and Central America, being the only UK based organisation which exclusively focusses on the Caribbean region. Our events and round table discussions take place on a regular basis, providing participants with an opportunity to discuss business interests directly with Government Ministers, industry experts and other key figures, as well as with each other. We also provide a wide range of high quality consultancy services which enable companies interested or active in the region to benefit from our insights and expertise. More information about the various kinds of different support we can provide is all set out here in this brochure. The Caribbean and Central America is a rich and complex region which is full of opportunity we look forward to supporting your business in its work there. Chris Bennett Managing Director

3 MEMBERSHIP WILL PROVIDE YOU AND YOUR COMPANY WITH: A strong insight and understanding of the Caribbean, Cuba and Central American region Reliable and regular current market and business intelligence to support your business objectives in the regions Access to a wide network of customers, suppliers, business partners and potential investors Introductions to high-level connections across the regions and the UK in Parliaments, Embassies, Governments, and at the highest level of business Access to trade policy, regulatory and other investor advice to help you shape and strengthen your existing business and investments in the Caribbean, Cuba and Central America MEMBER SERVICES 1. Market and Business Intelligence The Caribbean Council publishes a number of specialist news briefings. The publications are editorially independent and are published by the Caribbean Council with the objective of providing exclusively to members and subscribers an overview of the week s economic, political and commercial news relating to the Caribbean, Cuba and Central America. Existing members find our publications an essential tool for doing business in our regions, enabling them to keep up to date with all important developments without having to access a variety of different news sources. Our weekly briefings are available to members as part of the membership package. Alternatively subscriptions are available independently of membership. Members also receive other reports on specific issues or sectors of relevance. Access to the different publications depends on the membership package taken. To receive a publication for a trial period, free of charge with no obligation, please contact: isadora.forcen@caribbean-council.org 2. Invitations to Regular Meetings and Events The Caribbean Council prides itself on the quality of its events, and in providing knowledge, information and relevant contacts for our members. We offer a range of events to suit the needs of all of our members.

4 MEMBER TESTIMONIALS It is good to feel that employees of the Caribbean Council know your interests and always find relevant business connections for you at events. Gerrie Ubink, Managing Director, Vertraco Shipping The Caribbean Insight publication provides an informative, yet concise overview of the principal events in the region. We find it invaluable in keeping us up to date with current affairs and political insights. Ruth Euling, Area Sales Director, Latin America and the Caribbean 3. Research, Analysis and Advisory Services The Caribbean Council provides its members with research, analysis and advisory services. It is able to support companies already active in the regions or market entry research for businesses new to the market. Areas of support include: Quantitative and qualitative market research on specific sectors or products Statistical research on trade data showing market demands and trends by country Competitor analysis Lead generation: identification of potential customers / buyers In-country support with market trends Data on in-country operating costs Provision of private introductions to senior business and Government contacts in the region Research on import and export tariffs and duties, tax and legal regulation Support to undertake due diligence checks on business partners/ companies in the region Identification of sources of trade finance Support with translation of documents 4. Senior Level Business Connections and Networking Membership of the Caribbean Council provides members with access and introductions to senior decision makers from government and business who are involved in some of the most significant business opportunities in the Caribbean, Cuba and Central America. Our programmes provide members with an opportunity to meet well informed and influential commercial and Government contacts from across the region. Given the complexity of the Caribbean region, and the difficulty and expense of travelling around the region, the Caribbean Council s support to its members in facilitating meetings and introductions is an important component of membership.

5 Membership Benefit Overview Benefit Premier Membership Corporate Membership SME Membership Participation in the Advisory Committee meetings led by the Caribbean Council s President Lord Foulkes, which include policy level briefings from ministers, business leaders and experts on current issues of interest or concern Annual private in-house briefing sessions for key staff on issues relevant to the company in the region Yes No No Yes Chargeable Chargeable Invitations to events and round table meetings with senior business people and politicians from the region Up to 12 events per year Up to 12 events per year (nominal charges) Up to 12 events per year (nominal charges) Participation in private high level round table meetings with visiting Prime Ministers and Ministers Yes When spaces available (chargeable) Limited access (chargeable) Invitations to the Caribbean Council s Annual Reception at the House of Lords Invitations to relevant events in the UK and the region in partnership with Caribbean High Commissions, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Embassies in London Consultancy services and strategic advice and support 4 invitations 2 invitations 1 invitation Yes Limited access Limited access 5 hours 3 hours Chargeable Subscription to the Caribbean Council s publications on the Caribbean, Cuba and Central America 10 named subscribers 3 named subscribers 1 named subscriber Invitations to events in collaboration with our partner organisations Opportunity to attend round table events via video-conferencing Yes Limited access Limited access Yes Limited access Limited access Opportunity to invite clients to our events Yes Chargeable Chargeable Active business referrals Yes Yes Yes Right of first refusal on sponsorship opportunities for Caribbean Council events Discounts on trade missions run by the Caribbean Council Dedicated account manager, with set key objectives, regular review and consultation Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Regular networking opportunities Yes Yes Yes

6 LEVELS OF MEMBERSHIP Premier Membership: This is intended for companies with a substantial interest in the Caribbean, Cuba or Central America. Such members receive a high level of support and consultancy services built into membership as well as invitations to exclusive meetings and conferences. Corporate Membership: This is intended for mid-sized companies already active in the region and larger companies initially considering a presence in the market for the first time. SME Membership: This is intended for smaller companies with a turnover of 500k or less. This level of membership allows a lower annual fee, with the flexibility of paying a reduced member rate for events relevant to your business throughout the year on a pay as you go basis. Membership Fees Membership fees for the Caribbean Council which covers the Caribbean, Cuba and Central America are as follows: Premier Membership Corporate Membership SME Membership Publications Costs 3,500 per annum 1,250 per annum 500 per annum Publications are included in the cost of membership. If you wish to purchase a subscription only the costs are as follows: Caribbean Insight Cuba Briefing Central America Briefing 225 per annum 200 per annum 100 per annum Combined (all publications) 350 per annum The View from Europe complimentary on request Rates are exclusive of VAT. Overseas companies are eligible for a discounted rate. All of our membership packages can be purchased for one, two or all three regions and are priced accordingly.

7 CONSULTANCY SERVICES With its specialist knowledge of the Caribbean and Central America, and an unrivalled network of contacts in the region, the Caribbean Council is able to provide timely targeted intelligence, reporting and advice on developments across the region. The Council can provide a comprehensive range of services to enable companies to explore, expand and deepen their commercial activities across the region. Our longstanding experience advising on government affairs and international trade policy also enables us to support clients to make their case effectively in Europe, the Caribbean and Central America. SERVICES INCLUDE: Strategic political and economic forecasting A forecast of possible risks or opportunities in the future of a country or the region more broadly, including both domestic and external factors. Policy developments and Government Relations Analysis of changing regulatory and trade policies in relation to the Caribbean/Central America/Cuba on a specific issue or sector in the EU, EC, UK, US and Canada. Support with advocacy, government relations and strategy. In-depth country and market intelligence reports Ongoing in-depth news reporting with insightful commentary and ad-hoc reporting on a particular issue. This may include reporting on economic and political developments or business, trade and investment opportunities in either a country in the Caribbean, Central America or Cuba, or a sector across the Caribbean Basin region. Corporate intelligence and due diligence Via our network of in-country consultants, we are able to deliver verified corporate intelligence and due-diligence reporting for clients on particular companies or projects. Cuba An introduction to the political and economic structure of Cuba with practical information of how to do business in Cuba or reports providing a clear summary and analysis of the Foreign Investment Law or laws relating to the Special Economic Zones (Mariel). Corporate Social Responsibility Identifying opportunities for corporate social responsibility programmes for investors that are aligned to the needs of the country and political priorities in areas such as environment, education, employment, health, social. Market entry and sector specific reports General market entry reports providing the political, economic and business context or sector specific reports including statistical data and advice and analysis regarding the opportunities and risks for the client.

8 RECENT EVENT SPEAKERS INDEPENDENT CARIBBEAN Hon. Dr Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines Hon. Timothy Harris, Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis Hon. Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Hon. Omar Davies, Minister of Transport, Government of Jamaica Mr. Gordon Shirley, Chairman of Jamaican Ports Authority Hon. Andrew Holness, Leader of the Opposition, Jamaica (newly elected Prime Minister) CENTRAL AMERICA AND DOMINICAN REPUBLIC CUBA Hon. Fernando Carrera, Foreign Minister, Government of Guatemala Dr Paul Oquist, Minister Secretary and Advisor to the President, Government of Nicaragua Hon. Gerson Martinez, Minister of Public Works, Government of El Salvador Hon. Cesar Dargam, Vice Foreign Minister, Dominican Republic Hon. Luis Ramon Rodriguez, Minister of Agriculture for Dominican Republic Hon. Ileana Nunez, Vice Minister for Foreign Trade and Investment, Government of Cuba Ms. Deborah Rivas, Director General, Ministry for Foreign Trade and Investment, Government of Cuba Ms. Yanet Vázquez, Deputy Director, The Mariel Special Development Zone, Cuba ABOUT THE CARIBBEAN COUNCIL The Caribbean Council is a well-respected London-based body which has an extensive network of contacts in the Caribbean, Cuba, Central America and Europe due to its long-standing role supporting investment, trade and development in the Caribbean Basin. The Caribbean Council has a membership of around one hundred companies, including global companies such as Virgin Atlantic, De La Rue, Pernod Ricard as well as other major companies operating in or based in the region. The organisation is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. OVERSEAS TERRITORIES Hon. Orlando Smith, Premier of the British Virgin Islands Hon Hubert Hughes, Chief Minister of Anguilla Dr Aidan Harrigan, Permanent Secretary of Finance, Government of Anguilla UK DIPLOMATIC CONTACTS Rt. Hon. Hugo Swire MP, Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Mr. James Duddridge MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Baroness Verma, Development Minister for the Caribbean The Caribbean Council, Temple Chambers, 3-7 Temple Avenue, London, EC4Y 0HP Tel: +44 (0) Fax: +44 (0) For membership enquiries contact: isadora.forcen@caribbean-council.org