Caribbean Open Trade Support Program
AECOM International Development is implementing the USAID-funded Caribbean Open Trade Support Program (COTS), which aims to increase the competitiveness of firms and industry clusters in the Eastern Caribbean to help the region capitalize on opportunities presented by the new CSME free trade regime. The COTS program assists the Caribbean island nations of Dominica, Antigua, and Barbuda in prioritizing specific industry clusters for participation in targeted programs to achieve greater competitiveness. AECOM International Development experts are working to improve the enabling environment for private investment, assisting government institutions and agencies in providing a supportive environment for business growth and competition, and enhancing public-private sector interaction and dialogue.
AECOM International Development directly administers the component that focuses on SME firm-level assistance and business association development. Business development programs and the design and implementation of sectoral competitiveness programs are a key focus of this component. AECOM International Development's sectoral focus is on improving the agricultural and tourism sectors, including strengthening the capacity of land and environment related agencies and regulatory procedures. Much of the firm-level technical assistance is channeled through a project-supported Business Development Services Provider, and grants are available to assist firms in upgrading their businesses with the goal of increasing sales and fostering greater cluster linkages. AECOM International Development is also increasing dialogue between the government and the private sector by working to make statutory changes to public comment periods for pending bills in parliament and by providing technical support and training to the private sector to better enable businesses to appropriately respond to pending legislation.
COTS is also working on streamlining the business registration and land registration processes, providing technical assistance to investment promotion agencies, making human resources recommendations for the customs agency, and conducting other public sector reform activities. Through the COTS Program, AECOM International Development assisted the countries of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, and St. Vincent in participating for the first time in the World Bank’s Doing Business diagnostic of administrative barriers to doing business.
