Project Library

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A. Basic CARICOM Economic Information

1. CARICOM's Trade in Services 1990-2000 (1,776 KB)
   Author: CARICOM Secretariat
   Comprehensive listing of country-by-country and aggregated services trade data. The most detailed and current document on the topic.
2. OECS Financial Sector Review (3,860 KB)
   Author: IMF
   Excellent study describing and analyzing OECS' financial sector. Good data source.

B. Trade Topics

1. Caribbean Perspectives on Trade, Regional Integration and a Strategic Global Repositioning (41 KB)
   Author: CGCED
   Review of issues and proposal for action.
2. Competitiveness and Regional Integration: The Role of Private Enterprise (132 KB, MS PowerPoint)
   Author: Business Forum of the Greater Caribbean
   Good PowerPoint presentation highlighting the rationale for Caribbean trade integration as a means of attaining global competitiveness.
3. Training Offerings by the Secretariats of the Greater Caribbean (74 KB, MS Word)
   Author: Latin American Economic System
   Programs offered by Secretariats of the Greater Caribbean divided into "Integration," "Market Access," "Agricultural Business," and "Trade and Services."
4. Western Hemispheric Trade Integration (61 KB)
   A high-level introductory analysis of the history and status of the FTAA negotiations.
5. Overview of Developments in Trade and Integration in LAC (662 KB)

C. Competitiveness Topics

1. SME Competitiveness: The Power of Networking and Subcontracting (151 KB)
   IADB-funded study that discusses industry cluster methodologies for analysis and action.
2. Turismo en Costa Rica – El Reto de la Competividad (462 KB)
   Competitive study of the Costa Rica tourism industry cluster. In Spanish.
3. Competitiveness and Regional Integration: The Role of Private Enterprise (132 KB, MS PowerPoint)
   Author: Business Forum of the Greater Caribbean
   Good PowerPoint presentation highlighting the rationale for Caribbean trade integration as a means of attaining global competitiveness.
4. Caribbean Perspectives on Trade, Regional Integration and a Strategic Global Repositioning (41 KB)
   Author: CGCED
   Review of issues and proposal for action.

D. OECS Industry Clusters

Agro-Industry

1. CPEC - OECS - Agriculture & Agro-processing (external link)
2. CPEC - Regional - Agriculture & Agro-Industry (external link)

Financial Services

1. OECS Financial Sector Review (3,860 KB)
   Author: IMF
   Excellent study describing and analyzing OECS' financial sector. Good data source
2. The Offshore Services Industry in the Caribbean: A Conceptual and Sub-Regional Analysis (44 KB)
   Author: Nand C. Bardouille
   An excellent description of the offshore services industry in the OECS and nearby countries, including a description of its evolution, regulatory and other constraints, economic impact, and prospects for growth.
3. Caribbean Offshore Financial Centers: Past, Present and Possibilities for the Future (1,160 KB)
   Authors: Esther C. Suss, Oral Williams, and Chandina Mendis, IMF Working Paper
   A timely and excellent review of offshore financial activities in English-speaking Caribbean taking stock of the size and status of these sectors.
4. Wider Caribbean Financial Sector Review: Increasing Competitiveness and Financial Resource Management for Growth (277 KB, MS Word)
   Date: May 26, 1998
   Author: World Bank Finance, Private Sector & Infrastructure Unit
   Comprehensive, data-rich, study of conditions and challenges relating to improving the availability and security of capital needed to "fund productive investment in the region."
5. Prospects for Service Exports from the English-Speaking Caribbean (570 KB, MS Word)
   Date: May 1996
   Authors: The World Bank
   This is the introductory report to the "Prospects" series put out by the World Bank. This report's assessment of specific subsectors and service exports in general suggests that there are good prospects for service export growth if Governments take necessary actions. The countries of the English-speaking Caribbean, however, will have to address difficult issues constraining development of the service export sector, and private sector in general, in order to realize these prospects.
6. Prospects for Information Service Exports for the English-Speaking Caribbean (570 KB, MS Word)
   Date: 1997
   Authors: Robert Schware, Susan Hume, World Bank Informatics and Telecommunications Division
   A comprehensive "how-to" report. It covers a lot of ground, "from the potential of creating thousands of information jobs in the Caribbean region to a proposed strategy to enhance the existing information environment. The first two sections discuss potential opportunities, factors that influence outsourcing decisions, and competitors to the Caribbean. The third section analyzes the environment in the region to support the availability, diversity, and supply of low cost information services and products. The final section addresses the main areas where policy action is required in the region."
7. Prospects for Professional Services Exports in the English-Speaking Caribbean (171 KB, MS Word)
   Date: 1997
   Authors: Matt Moran, World Bank Public Sector Division
   A comprehensive "how-to" report. It "presents the prospects for developing and strengthening the capability of English-speaking Caribbean firms to deliver professional services internationally, based on indigenous regional capabilities. The scope of study included validating the regional supply capability; assessing demand in international markets; assessing the business environment for the sector in the region; and identifying options and recommending strategies for future development." Activities covered include engineering, management, accounting, marketing, construction and financial services.
8. The Services Sector in CARICOM
   Date: 1997
   Author: Dr. Viriyala L. Rao, CARICOM Secretariat
   A general study on the development of service export products in CARICOM, with an OECS focus. Specific analysis is conducted of financial services, cultural services (including entertainment), informatics, and other services (including educational and medical services). A good study that complements a general review of existing literature with a survey of companies in the region and assessment visits to target countries.
9. CPEC - OECS - Financial Services (external link)
10. Offshore Financial Centers -- The Role of the IMF (external link)
11. Selecting an Offshore Jurisdiction (external link)
    Author: Bill Davis, Asset Management Inc.
    A concise description of the locational factors for setting up an offshore location, with an emphasis on the Bahamas.

Light Manufacturing

1. Manufacturing Sector Implementation Review: Assessment of the Level of Regional Sectoral Competitiveness
   Date: 1995
   Author: Randolph Sandiford
   A review of the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector in CARICOM, with an emphasis on furniture and wooden products, food processing, and garments and sewn products. The study does a good job of highlighting the factors leading to competitiveness in each sector and seeks to map out respective value chains.

Professional Services

1. Prospects for Exports of Entertainment Services for the English-Speaking Caribbean: The Case of Music
   Date: 1997
   Authors: Compton Bourne, S.M. Allgrove
   A comprehensive "how-to" study. In it, the authors "indicate the potential importance of the music industry to Caribbean economies, provide a profile of its market and production conditions, discuss the potential for growth as an export industry, and identify a few key issues and requirements for successful growth."
2. The Services Sector in CARICOM
   Date: 1997
   Author: Dr. Viriyala L. Rao, CARICOM Secretariat
   A general study on the development of service export products in CARICOM, with an OECS focus. Specific analysis is conducted of financial services, cultural services (including entertainment), informatics, and other services (including educational and medical services). A good study that complements a general review of existing literature with a survey of companies in the region and assessment visits to target countries.
3. Prospects for Professional Services Exports in the English-Speaking Caribbean (171 KB, MS Word)
   Date: 1997
   Authors: Matt Moran, World Bank Public Sector Division
   A comprehensive "how-to" report. It "presents the prospects for developing and strengthening the capability of English-speaking Caribbean firms to deliver professional services internationally, based on indigenous regional capabilities. The scope of study included validating the regional supply capability; assessing demand in international markets; assessing the business environment for the sector in the region; and identifying options and recommending strategies for future development." Activities covered include engineering, management, accounting, marketing, construction and financial services.

Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

1. OECS ICT Investment Promotion Strategy and Implementation Plan
   Date: June 2002
   Author: GOPA Consultants
   This is the 2nd volume of a three-part study conducted by GOPA for the OECS. This excellent report comprises the following: an overall assessment of the required broader OECS legal, regulatory, and institutional environment that help promote foreign and domestic investment; key actions to be take by the OECS member state and other stakeholders to ensure a favorable place in the knowledge-based economy of the future; and an overview of the best practices of world-class Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) and the key components of their success."
2. OECS ICT Final Report and Strategic Plan
   Date: June 2002
   Author: GOPA Consultants
   This is the 3rd and final volume of a three-part study conducted by GOPA for the OECS. This report provides a broad strategy for the sub-region focusing on uses of human resources, regulatory and legal constraints to development, the role of government in ICT promotion and other foundational areas.
3. OECS ICT Pilot Project Proposals
   Date: May 2002
   Author: GOPA Consultants
   This is the 1st of a three-part study conducted by GOPA for the OECS. This excellent report identifies action projects for spurring the development of ICT in the sub-region. Of particular interest are Sections 7 and 8, which outline proposals for developing ICT clusters and a telecenter.
4. CARANA Dominica ICT Assessment
   Date: March 2002
   Author: CARANA
   This is part of a USAID-funded project in which CARANA conducted country-specific assessments and a sub-regional study of the ICT sector focusing on the role of the public sector, "pipes," private sector, and "people."
5. CARANA St. Vincent ICT Assessment
   Date: March 2002
   Author: CARANA
   This is part of a USAID-funded project in which CARANA conducted country-specific assessments and a sub-regional study of the ICT sector focusing on the role of the public sector, "pipes," private sector, and "people."
6. CARANA Grenada ICT Assessment
   Date: March 2002
   Author: CARANA
   This is part of a USAID-funded project in which CARANA conducted country-specific assessments and a sub-regional study of the ICT sector focusing on the role of the public sector, "pipes," private sector, and "people."
7. CARANA St. Kitts and Nevis ICT Assessment
   Date: March 2002
   Author: CARANA
   This is part of a USAID-funded project in which CARANA conducted country-specific assessments and a sub-regional study of the ICT sector focusing on the role of the public sector, "pipes," private sector, and "people."
8. CARANA St. Lucia ICT Assessment
   Date: March 2002
   Author: CARANA
   This is part of a USAID-funded project in which CARANA conducted country-specific assessments and a sub-regional study of the ICT sector focusing on the role of the public sector, "pipes," private sector, and "people."
9. ECTEL Country ICT Assessments Regional Summary Report
   Date: September 2002
   Author: CARANA
   This is part of a USAID-funded project in which CARANA conducted country-specific assessments and a sub-regional study of the ICT sector focusing on the role of the public sector, "pipes," private sector, and "people."
10. Creating a Software Export Industry in Mexico
    Author: Narayana Murphy
    A description of opportunities for software services exports in Mexico. Good overview of market and success factors with applicability to the Caribbean.
11. Offshore is not Offhand: Effective Offshore Outsourcing White Paper
    Author: Kathleen Goolsby
    Good overview of success factors in IT offshore outsourcing with excellent case studies from successful projects.
12. The Theory and Practice of Outsourcing
    Author: Dave Griffiths
    Short document detailing the means and reasons for IT outsourcing.
13. Information Technology Enabled Services – Bangladesh: External Market Analysis
    Date: April 2002
    Author: CARANA
    A comprehensive overview of international market for IT services, including factors for successful product development strategies at the national level. The study was conducted with Bangladesh in mind but is very relevant to the Caribbean.
14. Bangladesh ITES National Strategy
    Date: 2002
    Author: CARANA Corporation
    The final report of CARANA's ITES development plan for Bangladesh. Includes information on an internal analysis of Bangladeshi capabilities and an external analysis of market opportunities in the sector. Good source of information for industry locational factors.
15. Jamaican Information Services Sector Study: Analysis of the Jamaican Capabilities and Competitive Advantage
    Date: March 1992
    Author: Intex
    This rather dated document is still useful as a guide for understanding the factors that make for a successful Information Services industry. It includes some benchmarking figures and industry segments, which are dated but useful as reference points.
16. Guidelines for Sectoral ICT Policy and Planning
    Author: COMNET
    Methodological template for devising ICT development strategies with excellent bibliographical information.
17. A Regional Initiative for Informatics Strategies
    Author: COMNET
    Results of a workshop on sectoral planning on IT located in Jamaica. Good list of speakers and compilation of their statements.
18. Caribbean Call Center Report 2002 (502 KB)
    Date: 2002
    Author: Zagada Institute
    "This study serves as a guide to companies seeking to evaluated the viability of outsourcing their call center needs to the Caribbean. While India is often seen as the developing world's prime benefactor of the move to go offshore, the Caribbean is emerging as a competitive force." The study seeks to benchmark data across centers in the Caribbean and worldwide. An excellent resource for understanding the prospects for growth in the Caribbean.
19. Prospects for Service Exports from the English-Speaking Caribbean (570 KB, MS Word)
    Date: May 1996
    Authors: The World Bank
    This is the introductory report to the "Prospects" series put out by the World Bank. This report's assessment of specific subsectors and service exports in general suggests that there are good prospects for service export growth if Governments take necessary actions. The countries of the English-speaking Caribbean, however, will have to address difficult issues constraining development of the service export sector, and private sector in general, in order to realize these prospects.
20. The Services Sector in CARICOM
    Date: 1997
    Author: Dr. Viriyala L. Rao, CARICOM Secretariat
    A general study on the development of service export products in CARICOM, with an OECS focus. Specific analysis is conducted of financial services, cultural services (including entertainment), informatics, and other services (including educational and medical services). A good study that complements a general review of existing literature with a survey of companies in the region and assessment visits to target countries.

Tourism/Hospitality

1. Prospects for Health Tourism Exports for the English-Speaking Caribbean (195 KB, MS Word)
   Date: 1997
   Authors: Maggie Huff-Rousselle, Robert Cushman, Carol S. Shepherd, John Imrie, Stanley Lalta, The World Bank
   A comprehensive "how-to" study. It "concentrates on the potential for, and the factors that mitigate against, the development of health tourism exports from the English-speaking Caribbean. Health tourism is broadly defined as people traveling from their place of residence for health reasons. In addition to conventional health services, this definition encompasses cosmetic surgery, addiction treatment, spas, retirement communities, and some alternative health services. Strengths and weaknesses within the region are considered along with challenges and opportunities for growth. Three external markets are examined."
2. Prospects for Exports of Entertainment Services for the English-Speaking Caribbean: The Case of Music
   Date: 1997
   Authors: Compton Bourne, S.M. Allgrove
   A comprehensive "how-to" study. In it, the authors "indicate the potential importance of the music industry to Caribbean economies, provide a profile of its market and production conditions, discuss the potential for growth as an export industry, and identify a few key issues and requirements for successful growth."
3. Prospects for Service Exports from the English-Speaking Caribbean (570 KB, MS Word)
   Date: May 1996
   Authors: The World Bank
   This is the introductory report to the "Prospects" series put out by the World Bank. This report's assessment of specific subsectors and service exports in general suggests that there are good prospects for service export growth if Governments take necessary actions. The countries of the English-speaking Caribbean, however, will have to address difficult issues constraining development of the service export sector, and private sector in general, in order to realize these prospects.
4. The Services Sector in CARICOM
   Date: 1997
   Author: Dr. Viriyala L. Rao, CARICOM Secretariat
   A general study on the development of service export products in CARICOM, with an OECS focus. Specific analysis is conducted of financial services, cultural services (including entertainment), informatics, and other services (including educational and medical services). A good study that complements a general review of existing literature with a survey of companies in the region and assessment visits to target countries.
5. CPEC - OECS - Tourism (external link)
6. CPEC - Regional - Tourism (external link)