WHAT'S NEW AT  COMPETE CARIBBEAN
COMPETE CARIBBEAN, LSE: HOW CAN BLOCK-CHAIN INCREASE ACCESS TO FINANCE FOR CARIBBEAN SMES?
Compete Caribbean and the London School of Economics (LSE) have partnered to conduct research to propose a new blockchain-based system to assess credit-worthiness of Caribbean SMEs.   
 
To watch the FB live presentation click here

To learn more about the research click here
FEATURED RESEARCH
Working paper:
Exponential disruption in the Digital Economy  


Disruptive technologies are evolving at an exponential pace and driving growth in key industries such as finance, energy, transportation, education, health, and trade.

This paper   addresses five disruptive technologies that are driving massive economic transformation and that will be critical areas for public policy formulation and implementation in the region in the years ahead: cloud computing, block-chain, big data, artificial intelligence and the internet of things.
 

Report:
Connecting Disparate Data: How block-chain can improve access to finance for Caribbean SMEs?  

The report synthesises academic literature and regional surveys to highlight the main factors that hinder SMEs from gaining access to traditional financial services, particularly loans and credit from Traditional Incumbent Banks.

Most importantly, the report sets out the role that block-chain technology can play in devising a new credential management system to address the obstacles faced by SMEs in accessing finance. 
 
Working Paper:
Digital Innovation in maritime Supply Chains 

This study examines 15 cases in Northwestern Europe where digital innovations have been developed to improve connectivity, visibility , and, therefore, performance in maritime supply chains. The solutions focus on smoothing cargo, document, or financial flow throughout supply chains.

Given the importance of seaborne trade for countries in Latin America and the Caribbean , the efficient management of maritime supply chains becomes critical for the region. 
 

NEWS FROM OUR DONORS
CDB and IDB showcase procurement opportunities for Barbados private sector

Projects financed by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) present significant business opportunities for the Region's private sector.  
On Monday April 30, CDB and IDB co-hosted a procurement seminar aimed at developing the capacity of the Barbados private sector to take advantage of opportunities available through projects financed by both institutions.
with strengthening intra-regional trade. 
Learn more


St. Vincent and the Grenadines get "Volcano Ready" with new project

The "Volcano-Ready Communities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines" project targets 12 towns and villages in the high-risk zones of La Soufrière. It specifically seeks to improve early warning and alert systems; train early response and risk assessment teams; develop a "Volcano-Ready" framework and toolkit for communities; and create public education and awareness materials to be shared with schools, businesses, and residents. 
Learn more 

IDB Invest launches the public consultation on its new Access to Information Policy     

IDB Invest, the private arm of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Group, will open to public consultation the draft of the new Access to Information Policy on May 23 and will receive comments for a period of 120 days.
The draft Policy is now available to the public for information in the institution's four official languages - Spanish, English, French and Portuguese.  
Learn more

Finabank in Suriname joins IDB Invest's Trade Finance Facilitation Program      

Finabank N.V., the fourth largest commercial bank in Suriname, signed an agreement with IDB Invest to join their Trade Finance Facility Program (TFFP). The agreement gives access to trade finance loans and credit guarantees that will enable Finabank to continue growing in Suriname, and to enter new trade finance markets within the Caribbean and the rest of the world.
Learn more
 
 


First meeting of multi-stakeholder Advisory Body on Responsible Business Conduct abroad

The Government of Canada is committed to initiating a new era of cooperation between government, industry and civil society on responsible business conduct (RBC) abroad, and ensuring that Canadians can have confidence in our companies and trust that international trade and investment is working for all.


Canada supports projects in Haiti's health and agricultural sectors

Canada announced $35.5 million in development assistance for three projects aimed at improving women and girls' health and promoting their sexual and reproductive rights. Canada also revealed five new projects selected through the call for proposals entitled Haiti: Strengthening Agri-food Value Chains and Adaptation to Climate Change in Haiti" Learn more
 


 
 

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