CBI News & Events

CBI News & Eventshttp://www.cbi.eu/?pag=8CBI News & Eventsen-usIntegrated Programme Timber Bolivia. Find out all the information on our integrated programme for Timber and Timber products from Bolivia via <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cbi.eu/timberbolivia" target=_blank>www.cbi.eu/timberbolivia</a>. You can find out amongst others information about the companies that participate in the project and their activities and Business Support Organisations that are engaged in the Timber Task Force. If you have any comments or questions about the information please contact Programme Manager Mr. Arne Heutink, <a href="mailto:aheutink@cbi.eu">aheutink@cbi.eu</a>. http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1036Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1036(ASPIRING) Agro-food Exporters from Guatamala and Nicaragua APPLY NOW for the Export Coaching in new CBI programmehttp://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1034Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1034CBI Focuses on Global Sourcing and Sustainability Meet 32 suppliers from developing countries, trained and ready for EU partnerships CBI is proud to present 32 suppliers from Colombia, Egypt, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Sri Lanka, Ecuador, Peru, Kenya, Madagascar, Thailand and Senegal at Fruit Logistica 2012. Fruit Logistica, the leading international meeting for the fresh produce trade, will take place from 8 - 10 February at Messe Berlin. The CBI Pavilion will be located in Hall 6, Stands D06 - 07, with additional companies presented at their own Country Pavilions.Â http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1035Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1035CBIâ€™s Institutional Development programme at PROMPERU successfully completed During a final meeting in November 2011 with the Exports Promotion Director of Promperu, CBIâ€™s Business Support Organisation Development (BSOD) programme with Promperu was officially completed. http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1033Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1033LATIN AMERICA TRADE AWARD 2011 NATUREâ€™S PRIDE WINNER OF THE LATIN AMERICA TRADE AWARD 2011 On 15 December, the Latin America Trade Award 2011 was awarded to Dutch companyÂ <a href="www.naturespride.eu"> Natureâ€™s Pride</a>.Â The Latin American Trade Award (LATA) is awarded bi-annually to a Dutch enterpise for its distinctive contribution to Latin America-Dutch business relations. This year the award was presented by Mr Chris Buijink, Secretary-General of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation.Â Ever since its establishment in 2001, Natureâ€™s Pride has been active in Latin America, importing, exporting, ripening, packing and distributing exotic fruits and vegetables. Two thirds of all its products originate from Latin America. Through its own â€˜Ethical Trade Agreementâ€™, Natureâ€™s Pride collaborates closely with growers and promotes investment in sustainable production methods. Corporate Social Responsibility is not a branding strategy, but an integral part of Natureâ€™s Prideâ€™s corporate philosophy and strategy. Natureâ€™s Pride is also actively engaged in important innovations in transport, and recently started â€˜Fair for Life â€“ Fair Tradeâ€™ certification of its products. In Latin America, CBI and Natureâ€™s Pride collaborate closely in supporting fruits and vegetable exporters in such countries as Guatemala and Colombia. Apart from the LATA 2011 for Natureâ€™s Pride, a Peopleâ€™s Choice Award was awarded, based on popular votes, to <a href="www.thermaflex.com">Thermaflex</a>, a Dutch manufacturer of special pipes and insulation products for large building projects. Its innovative products distinguish themselves in the market for their contibution to energy saving, the sustainable material they are made of (100% recyclable) and their ISO 14001-certified production. Thermaflex has been active in Latin America since 2007 with offices in Mexico and Panama, which serve 18 countries in the region. Â The LATA is an initiative of the Netherlands-Latin American Business Council (NLABC), which is affiliated to the <a href="www.handelsbevordering.nl">Netherlands Council for Trade Promotion</a> (NCH). The 2011 LATA ceremony was its sixth edition and was organized in collaboration with Rabobank International. CBI was represented in the the LATA 2011 jury. <img src="http://www.cbi.eu/img/content/LA_Award.png" /> Photo: AdriÃ«lle Dankier, Natureâ€™s Pride / Jan Bestebreurtje, President of NLABC / Chris Buijink, Secretary-General Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture & Innovation / Els Lindeboom, Natureâ€™s Pride<div></div> http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1032Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1032Institutional development programme with Bolivia's Exporter Chambers ends at International Conference in Santa Cruz Institutional development programme with Bolivia's Exporter Chambers ends at International Conference in Santa Cruz In November 2011, CBI's Business Support Organisation Development (BSOD) Programme with the network of Bolivian Chambers of Exporters, came to an end in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. The most important results that were achieved by the Programme were presented at the International Trade Facilitation Forum, which was held in Santa Cruz, on 23 and 24 November. http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1029Tue, 27 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1029Completion of Four-year Capacity Building for Peruvian Exporter Association ADEX Completion of Four-year Capacity Building for Peruvian Exporter Association ADEX After four years, CBI's Business Support Organisation Development (BSOD) Programme at ADEX, the Association of Exporters of Peru, came to an end in November 2011. http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1030Tue, 27 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1030CBI participates in Holland Day in San Jose, Costa Rica On 6 December, 2011, CBI expert Mr Piet Schotel, participated in the "Holland Day", organized by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Costa Rica, in collaboration with PROCOMER, Costa Rica's export promotion agency. http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1031Tue, 27 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1031Hassina Sherjan On TEDxAmsterdam Hassina Sherjan founded the company Boumi in 2004 to contribute to the economy of Afghanistan by creating jobs and to maintain the Afghan craftworks. Boumi is a participant in CBI's programme for Home Textiles in Afghanistan. During an event of the CBI, Sherjan came into contact with a design bureau in Amsterdam called Butterfly Works, from which an intriguing cooperation arose. http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1028Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1028CBI Delivers Keynote Speech at International Trade Facilitation Forum in Santa Cruz, Bolivia On 23 November, CBI Deputy Director Mr Dick de Man delivered a key note speech on 'New Paths for Export Development for SMEs' at the first International Trade Facilitation Forum in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia. The audience of the forum, which was entitled 'Thinking of Global SMEs', consisted of some 250 representatives of SMEs and Business Support Organisations from 25 countries, who gathered in Santa Cruz on 23 and 24 November to discuss ways to reduce or eliminate barriers to trade. The forum was organized by the Chamber of Exporters of Santa Cruz (CADEX) and the Chamber of Industry, Trade, Tourism and Services of Santa Cruz (CAINCO) in the framework of the European Commission's AL-INVEST IV Programme. CBI also contributed to other sessions at the Forum, through presentations about 'lessons learned from CBI's 40 years of export development and promotion experience' by CBI Programme Manager Erik Plaisier, and moderation of a working table on 'Trade Facilitation mechanisms for promoting the internationalisation of SMEs' by CBI Expert Jan-Willem Richelmann. The International Trade Centre (ITC), the UN's Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), UNCTAD, EUROCHAMBRES, and the World Trade Point Federation (WTPF) were some of the other international organisations that participated in the different panels during the forum. http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1026Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1026Programme Management at CBI - Integrated Export Value Chain Programmes Within the changing environment of development cooperation CBI has sharpened its mission and vision in 2010. This has had consequences for the way CBI works. CBI has chosen for a programmatic approach rather than a product/service approach. The new programmatic approach allows increased integration of the different CBI services and enables CBI to better deliver and account for its results.http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1027Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1027MOU signed to increase mango exports from Senegal ITC, Senegal and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands (represented by CBI) have agreed to work together on a project aimed at bolstering exports of the African country's mangoes to Europe. The Senegal NTF II Project "Enhancing export competitiveness of mangoes for the Niayes region in Senegal," signed on 16 December during the World Trade Organization's ministerial conference, focuses on the export marketing, packaging, quality and trade intelligence issues along the value chain to better comply with requirements of European markets. Attending the signing ceremony were His Excellency Mr. Fode Seck, Ambassador at the Permanent Mission to Senegal; Mr. Simon Smits, Director-General of International Relations at the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation; and Mr. Jean-Marie Paugam, Deputy Executive Director of ITC. Please <a href="http://www.cbi.eu/download/actualiteit/PRSR18580.pdf">click here</a> to read more http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1024Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1024Peer Group session fishery:a successful way to involve the private sector in CBI activities On Thursday October 6 2011 CBI organized the first Peer Group session with stakeholders from the European fishery sector. They joined forces with CBI sector experts to analyze and discuss the major European market dynamics that affect the export opportunities of the CBI target group, exporters from the South. http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1025Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1025Crossing borders: an article on food control when exporting to the EU Food must be safe! This is the base principle for any food, feed or food contact material crossing the outer borders of the EU. http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1022Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1022Matchmaking event: Discover Bangladesh, the next global sourcing destination As part of the Netherlands Trust Fund phase II (NTFII), in October a matchmaking event took place in the Netherlands focusing on outsourcing in Bangladesh. You can find the video on the homepage of ITC via : <a href="http://www.intracen.org/ " target=_blank target="_blank">http://www.intracen.org/ </a> http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1023Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1023Get connected to CBI!Besides our website, you can now find us on various online media. Through these social media we keep our relation with you up to date with the latest CBI news and give you the opportunity to ask questions or participate in online discussions.http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1015Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1015Dutch government extends support to automotive vendorsCBI, the Dutch Centre for Promotion of Imports from developing countries, an agencyÂ of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has initiated a new 'Export Coaching Program' for Pakistan's Engineering Sector, which is open to all businesses engaged in auto parts, gears and transmission, pipe and process equipment, castings and forgings and subcontracting. Details of the programs and application forms can be seen at the CBI website. http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1020Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1020Macedonian Business Forum and NetworkingOn December 9, 2011 the The Hague Chamber of Commerce is organising a congress on Macedonian Business Forum and Networking.http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1021Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1021New MI surveys uploaded on the CBI websiteCBI recently published updates of the following market surveys on its website: <ul><li>wine </li><li>vegetable oils & fats </li><li>nat. flavours & thickeners </li><li>cosmetics </li><li>preserved fruit & veg. & nuts </li><li>spices & herbs </li><li>honey </li><li>garments </li><li>office & school supply </li><li>pipes & process eq. </li><li>castings & forgings </li><li>automotive p&c </li><li>tourism </li><li>ITO </li></ul>More surveys will be finalised during the upcoming weeks.CBIâ€™s Market Information can downloaded by using the following link: <a href="http://www.cbi.eu/marketinfo/cbi/?" target="_blank">http://www.cbi.eu/marketinfo/cbi/?</a>.For any further information, please feel free to contact the MI team (marketinfo@cbi.eu).http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1014Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1014Indian consultants form foundationThe Foundation for Business Competitiveness in India has recently been launched byÂ 12 consultants who are being exhaustively trained by CBI under a joint initiative with various stakeholders like the Ministry of Commerce, DSIR and CII. The sole objective of this foundation is to build capacity and hand hold small, medium and large enterprise to gain competitive advantage for exports as well as for domestic markets. The 12 consultantsÂ represent multi-functional areas in different sectors ranging from auto components, dies and molds, castings and forgings to agri and food processing.The foundation has a three dimensional approach of supporting the enterprise, industry and sector improve its competitiveness through diagnostics, training andÂ advisory. It has a large inventory of tools and training with regular updates on market, industry, competition and products in a few select sectors through the knowledge base at the website <a href="http://www.fbc-india.org/" target=_blank target="_blank">www.fbc-india.org</a>.The foundation has also plans to conduct some sectorial and cluster analysis apart from regular international market research to deliver global class Market intelligence products to the registered clients. The Foundation for Business Competitiveness was launched with a one day workshop at Hotel The Leela Palace, Chanakyapuri on the most talked about topics ofÂ â€œCombatting China: The Strategic approachâ€. Mr Vinod Sharma, President of theÂ FBC, orchestrated the workshop by showcasing a distinctive strategic model of The magic palletÂ for winning over and moving up the ladder the global value chain. This workshop was attended by the participants from corporate sector, Business support organisations like ELCINA, FISME, CII, EFY and ACMA.http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1013Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1013CBI to participate in the 1st International Trade Facilitation Forum "Thinking about Global SMEs"On November 23rd and 24th, 2011, the 1st International Trade Facilitation Forum â€œThinking about Global SMEsâ€Â will take place in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia.Â Â http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1011Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0200http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1011Central American Agro-food exporters Participation in a new CBI programme as the opportunity to open up for the European Market. http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1010Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0200http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1010Midest 2011 Strategic Partnerships: Doing the right thingsÂ In these economic times, a subcontracting partnership can be the lifeline that keeps your company on course. But not all subcontractors are alike. And partnerships must be strategic and flexible, allowing you to manoeuvre sensibly and tactically around economic obstacles. When done right, a partnership can save you up to 25 per cent. But finding that professional relationship can be risky -- and it can take valuable time away from your core business. CBI wants you to get it right.Â Â We've already audited your new supplier! At the CBI Pavilion (Hall 6, Stand 050), you can meet four subcontractors from 3 countries who have been handpicked by our sector experts as reliable, dependable and proficient. In addition, another four subcontractors, alumni of the CBI Export Coaching Programme, will also be exhibiting at Midest 2011 in Paris. Â Trained to Get it RightThese subcontractors from around the world have already invested heavily to prepare for successful partnerships in Europe. They come from Pakistan, India and Tunisia. All have been carefully audited in terms of quality, consistency and reliability and have completed the CBI Export Coaching Programme. They have adapted their organisations and products to the European market requirements, thus reducing the risk for European buyers. Â All of these businesses are, at a minimum, ISO 9001:2008 certified. Many are utilising or are currently implementing Process Control.Â The Right ProductsAt CBI, we are dedicated to minimising the risks in importing and outsourcing, but foremost, we present companies who are able to deliver what you need in terms of products. Â These companies provide a wide range of products.Â They are experienced in serving a wide range of industries: railways; automotive manufacturers; medical suppliers; farming, aerospaceÂ and other industrial manufacturers; chemical companies and food processing. Â Over the past 40 years, thousands of exporters from developing countries have found their way to Europe through the extensive CBI programmes in export management, quality and reliability. These suppliers are no exception. With our help, they have now met the requirements necessary to succeed in the European marketplace. Â Visit our Pavilion in Hall 6, at Stand 050 and be the first to meet these very capable potential partners and find your way to greater savings and flexibility in the future. Â http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=56&eid=163Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0200http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=56&eid=163A+A 2011High Quality at Sharp Price PointsÂ The deepest dive. The highest scaffold. The hottest furnace. When challenges arise â€“ the best and bravest suit up and go. Thatâ€™s why the personal protection equipment sector exists, to keep the men and women who take the greatest risks safe and secure. Â But operating in the PPE sector has its own challenges. Lives depend on your products. They must be high-quality, technologically advanced and in consistent supply. And you need those products at a fair price. Â Thatâ€™s where CBI can help. We hand-pick companies in developing countries and put them through a rigorous coaching programme. These companies can provide the quality products you need and, because they come from secondary markets, they can provide sharper price points than higher-profile suppliers. Â CBI will present 17 companies from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Colombia, India, Jordan, Pakistan, Tunisia and South Africa at our Pavilions during A + A 2011 in Dusseldorf. All these mentored suppliers are ready to forge long-term partnerships, reducing the risks in your next endeavour. Â CBI is Your Safety NetCBI is dedicated to minimising the risks in importing and outsourcing, but first and foremost, we present companies who are able to deliver what you need in terms of products. The CBI-coached companies presenting at A + A 2011 supply a wide range of products. Â These manufacturers are experienced in the personal protection industry. They offer a wide range of technologically advanced products: ear, eye, foot, respiratory and head protection; fall arrest systems; descender devices; and full body protection. Their protective and work garments include flame-retardant and high-visibility products, as well as life jackets, wetsuits and body armour. Some of them are specialised for fire fighting and industrial and activities. All products meet the minimum requirements for PPE.Â Trained for Today â€¦ And Tomorrow These 17 suppliers are ready for the European marketplace. All have been carefully audited in terms of product quality, consistency and reliability and have completed a strict CBI Export Coaching Programme for Personal Protective Equipment. In addition, the companies will be monitored by experienced CBI professionals for several years while they explore their new markets. Â Over the past 40 years, thousands of exporters from developing countries have found their way to Europe through CBIâ€™s extensive programmes in export management, quality, reliability and the requirements necessary to succeed in the European marketplace. We welcome you to the CBI Pavilions to meet representatives from these 17 companies and speak with our experienced PPE experts.Â Build a profitable future at A + A 2011! Visit us, and our 17 featured companies, at the CBI Pavilions in Hall 5, Stand F32 and Hall 6, Stands E76, E77 and F76. http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=56&eid=160Sun, 18 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0200http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=56&eid=160Press release:"More opportunities for sustainable Bolivian wood on the Dutch market" If the Netherlands imports more sustainable wood from Bolivia, this will contribute to the preservation of the Amazon rainforest. The CBI, TAA and ICCO signed a cooperation agreement for this purpose on 6 September, in order to strengthen the export chain of FSC-certified wood from Bolivia to the European market. <a href="http://www.cbi.eu/download/actualiteit/CBI_110908_Persbericht_6_sept_CBI-TAA_MoU_final_ENG.pdf" target="_blank">Click here</a> for the full Press release. http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1008Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0200http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1008Join the CBI online discussion platform CBI isÂ upgrading its current market information to Market Intelligence. To support this upgrade we introduce a new Market Intelligence product: Answers and Solutions to your Questions (ASQ). What is ASQ? ASQ is an online space for exporters to ask questions about trading with the EU. It provides exporters an open space to interact and discuss on Market Intelligence topics and pose questions to CBI sector experts. By doing so they can learn from each other, share best practices, and build new relationships.<img src="http://www.cbi.eu/img/content/linkedin.jpg" />In the coming weeks we start a pilot project for this product. We will execute this pilot together with our partner ITC (International Trade Center). This pilot will be running on CBIâ€™s discussion platform in LinkedIn, within the subgroup Market Intelligence. To be able to participate into these discussions, you need to have a LinkedInÂ account. What is LinkedIn? LinkedIn is the worldâ€™s largest professional network with over 100 million members and growing rapidly. LinkedIn connects members to their trusted contacts and helps them exchange knowledge, ideas, and opportunities with a broader network of professionals.To subscribe go to this link:Â <a target="_blank" href="http://www.linkedin.com/home?trk=hb_home" target=_blank>http://www.linkedin.com/home?trk=hb_home</a>. After subscription please look for the group CBIâ€™s Answers and Solutions to your Market Intelligence Questions in the search directory and join the Group. When CBI has approved your subscription, you can participate in the discussion and post your own questions.Â To generate content and stimulate interaction, CBI will post new questions and statements every week. Aside from that, we encourage you to post your own questions, comments or experiences regarding Market Intelligence. We ask all members to participate in the discussions and use their expertise to help others. We hope to see you at our discussion platform. http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1007Mon, 05 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0200http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1007 Film: CBI Tourism 'Value Chain Approach'CBI made a film that provides insight in the coaching process of the CBI and the successes made by the CBI and the featuredÂ company EcoBenin. The company, EcoBenin, is a participant in the CBI programme since two years.Â EcoBenin has a strong focus on ecotourism. Ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel.To view this film and films like 'The Mali Mango Case' and 'Thembi Tobi Wine' please visit the CBI youtube channel: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/agentschapcbi" target=_blank target="_blank">www.youtube.com/user/agentschapcbi</a>http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1003Wed, 03 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0200http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1003ITMA 2011CBI will participate in theÂ ITMA 2011 trade fair in Barcelona.Â Manufacturers ofÂ paints and coatings that have participated in CBI's ExportÂ Coaching Programme will exhibit their products.http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=56&eid=159Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0200http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=56&eid=159Azo dyes prohibited in the EUIf you are an exporter of textile and/or leather articles, you have to make sure that your products do not carry any of the azo dyes that are prohibited in the EU. Azo dyes are often used in the colouring process of textiles and leather. Some of these dyes have the capacity to release certain aromatic amines which pose cancer risks. Azo dyes releasing these amines are not allowed to be used to dye textile and leather products that come into contact with the skin. This document provides information on the legal restrictions, as well as information on testing methods and a practical example of current business implementation procedures. Please click <a href="http://www.cbi.eu/marketinfo/cbi/?action=showDetails&id=432">EU legislation: Azo dyes in textiles and leather products</a> to go to this document.http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1002Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0200http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1002Indonesia and the Netherlands to sustainable tradeOver the next five years the Netherlands and Indonesia will work on the sustainable trade and production of goods such as cocoa, coffee, tea, spices, palm oil, timber and fish. Ben Knapen Minister for European Affairs and International Cooperation of the Netherlands and the Indonesian Trade and Fisheries Ministers gave the start signal through a joint statement. http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1001Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0200http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1001Showroom Latin America Fashion in Frankfurt & Amsterdam May 2011<a name="_GoBack"></a>In the last week of May two exciting events took place in the course of the Export Coaching Programme for Outerwear & Fashion Sportswear. http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1000Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0200http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1000IN MEMORIAM: Raghavendra OkadeOn May 31, we received the sad news that our external expert Raghavendra Okade (Raghu) had deceased. Raghu was one of CBI's local external experts for Electronic Components and Systems in CBIâ€™s joint Export Coaching Programme. We remember Raghu as an energetic and inspiring professional wishing to use his knowledge for the benefit of entrepreneurs in India. At the same time he was very positive person and he was always there when he was needed for fellow consultants and for companies in the ECS Export Coaching Programme. He helped out others till the last minute. We shall always remember him as a great colleague and loving person with a lot of professional commitment. Raghu died in the age of 54. We wish his wife and his family every strength to carry this loss. http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=999Tue, 31 May 2011 00:00:00 +0200http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=999Engineering Sector Programme Asia AfricaThe engineering sector is one of the CBIÂ sectors for the coming years. An integrated approach for the sector in the target countriesÂ is envisaged. TakingÂ into considerationÂ manufacturers, business support organisations, activities of other donors as well as importers in EU. Countries eligible for participation are Indonesia, Pakistan, South Africa and Vietnam. Companies in these countries are invited to apply for participation in the Export Coaching Module - Export Audit Action Plan.http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=996Fri, 13 May 2011 00:00:00 +0200http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=996Training Process Control for EngineeringIn order to further support companies in the engineering sector to improve theirÂ efficiency and to decreaseÂ cost a Â training has been developed on process control.Worshops are planned for Pakistan and India. Later this year also in South Africa.http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=997Fri, 13 May 2011 00:00:00 +0200http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=997Training for CSR India "Coach the coach"In order to contribute to a more enabling environment for CSR in India amongst consultants active in international trade and business consultingÂ a new project will be started.Â This project provides experts in India with tools for companies to respond effectively to EU sustainability codes, guidelines and trends, and supports the experts to coach companies in their efforts to implement CSR and sustainable reporting in their business.It is a joint programme with the Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agiculture andÂ Innovation, the Netherlands Embassy in New DelhiÂ and CBI.Â FICCI, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry will be the implementing counterpart. Â http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=998Fri, 13 May 2011 00:00:00 +0200http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=998Export Education Bolivia, a joint initiative!On 11 March 2011, The Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries (CBI) signed a cooperation agreement between PUM Netherlands Senior Experts, The Rotterdam Business School and CADEX, the CÃ¡mera de Exportadores de Santa Cruz (Bolivia). Aim of this agreement is to strengthen professionalism in export practice and international trade by improving and developing tailor made courses and the establishment, on the initiative of CADEX,Â of an accredited Business School for international trade in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia. In addition, the Dutch Embassy in La Paz showed involvement in this unique taskforce by indicating the intention to support this initiative with resources. Moreover FENEDEX will take a role as sponsor of the project by supply support. Not only is it aimed to raise a bar in Bolivian export education. The activation and involvement of the Bolivian business environment and the connection between SMEâ€™s and practical education will generate multiplying effects as well.http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=995Mon, 04 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0200http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=995Newsflash: Precautionary ban on Thai veggies to the EUBy Marianne Ariesen- CREM BVExporters of products of plant origin, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, herbs, and nuts, really need to take the EU food safety requirements seriously! Two recent developments show how critical compliance can be for a sector or a country as a whole. Since 2010 the EU maintains a stricter control regime for imported products that are found to represent a high risk for consumers due to the presence of contaminants, residues or other hazards. As result of these controls, the EU has removed some products from the market (e.g. bananas from the Dominican Republic), while adding others to the list which need stricter controls (e.g. Basmati rice from Pakistan). The second development relates to the recently introduced export ban of five Thai vegetables (basil, chilli, bitter gourd, eggplant and parsley) to the EU established by the Thais authorities. The ban was originated by continuous warnings of EU authorities to the Thai government due to repeated cases of shipments with contaminated vegetables coming from Thailand. At the moment, it is not sure if the EU will move to concrete actions. However, lead by fear of a possible EU ban on Thai vegetables, the Thai government introduced this drastic measure for its exports.Both developments are negatively affecting current suppliers. Many European Thai restaurants are faced with a shortage of fresh vegetables and high prices and search the market intensively for similar quality products. Thai authorities have expressed its fear that if it takes too long to solve the problem, Thai exporters may loose their EU market share to competitors from other countries, even including other agricultural products, such as shrimp and chicken. This may have serious social and economic implications for the country and the farmers and countries within the sector. On the other hand, suppliers in those other countries, e.g. Laos, Vietnam and the Dominican Republic, may profit from the development when they are able to meet EU buyersâ€™ volume demands and can deliver products of a similar quality. With a view to the control regime, EU importers will prefer to import products from non-listed countries to avoid the costs of the extra controls. For EU export-depending countries, it is important to bring national production and inspection requirements in line with the EUâ€™s system. Serious commitment and collaboration of branch organisations and government is essential to solve these problems and regain confidence among EU trading partners and authorities.http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=992Mon, 07 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=992