COSME Exhibits its Successes at the 15th OCTA-European Union Forum in Aruba

COSME was invited to exhibit at the 15th Overseas Countries and Territories - European Union Forum, chaired by Aruba and organized by the the European Union, which took place in Oranjestad, Aruba, 21-24 February 2017.

The OCT-EU Forum is an annual conference and series of trilateral meetings for high level political dialogue between the authorities of the Overseas Countries and Territories, representatives of Member States linked to the European Commission, Members of the European Parliament, representatives of the European Investment Bank, and representatives of the Outermost Regions. There are 25 Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs), stretching from the Poles to the Tropics, that are associated with the European Union and are invited to participate in this annual dialogue.

COSME showcased its successful implementation of the European Union funded programme over 2015-16 at this forum. This exhibition included study tours that provided learning opportunities for the OCTs on setting up island business incubators, sharing information on agricultural practices, learning from successful investment agencies as well as collaborating among the Overseas Caribbean Territories and Countries on best Chamber practices. COSME also implemented a number of Baseline studies to assist the Governments in developing SME (Small and Medium-sized Business Enterprises) policy and other studies to build the capacity of the Business Support Organizations to improve their services and education/training programs.

The delegates attending this forum had the opportunity to engage with the COSME programme consultants directly to ask questions and learn about successful implementation details which might prove useful in further development of programmes relating to the 11th EDF.