http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=8CBI News & Eventsen-us <p> <strong> <a href="http://www.minbuza.nl/en/ministry/ministers/minister-for-european-affairs-and-international-cooperation.html" target=_blank target="_blank"> Minister for European Affairs and International Cooperation </a> visits CBI: No sustainable development without businesses </strong> </p> <p> <a href="http://www.minbuza.nl/en/ministry/ministers/minister-for-european-affairs-and-international-cooperation.html" target=_blank target="_blank"> <em>Minister for European Affairs and International Cooperation</em> </a> <em> , Ben Knapen, used a working visit to the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries (CBI) to find out about the results achieved by CBI. CBI, an agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, assists small and medium-sized enterprises in developing countries in exporting to the European market. </em> </p> <p> As Ben Knapen explained, 'Without the business community, it would be almost impossible to make any significant impact on sustainable development. Private sector development creates jobs and helps developing countries become more self-reliant'. </p> <p> CBI showed the Minister the results that had been achieved, for example in the Indonesian fishing sector. Following a number of years of CBI coaching, ten fish processing companies now comply with European market requirements. They have managed to acquire a long-term export position on the European market, for example by participating, with CBI support, in the international European Seafood Exposition trade fair in April. There they established contacts with European buyers and acquired confirmed orders worth € 180,000 and 3.5 million euros in provisional orders. CBI also created a services centre for fish exporters. </p> <p> <br /> Companies that participate in CBI programmes invest an average of 370,000 euros in, among other things, capital goods, marketing, certification and websites. That is six times as much as CBI invests in assistance. Although CBI promotes exports to Europe, it also creates export benefits at a global level. On average, a participating company achieves € 300,000 in export growth to Europe, compared to € 750,000 of export growth worldwide. </p> <p> CBI is active in 47 countries in four key sectors, namely agriculture, consumers, services and industry. CBI programmes offer entrepreneurs and business support organisations knowledge and skills in areas such as export management, market access, product and production process development, international corporate social responsibility and quality care. This has resulted in a higher quality and more sustainable range of products and services from developing countries which also benefits European importers and consumers. </p> http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1047Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1047 <p> CBI's External Expert day, held on the 29^th February proved to be a very successful event. The key notes (Ruud Lubbers, Jane Hart, and Marc Cornelissen) truly picked our brains about Development Issues, Social Media and Learning and Sustainability during the morning sessions. During the afternoon pressure-cooker workshops, the input of all our external experts helped us to reach a level of inspiration for current and future developments in CBI's strategic and operational positioning as knowledge institution with a unique mission. </p> <p> Valuable input from the participants during the workshop: 'The Buyers Blackbox', is being transferred within the development of this new Market Intelligence product. As a result of the workshop on CBI's new integrated programmes and the value chain approach the external experts were enthused to participate in CBI's Management for Development Results training. And finally ideas shared in the Social learning workshops are used in the currently developed social media strategy for CBI. On CBI's LinkedIn group discussions were taken to a next level. </p> <p> From the considerable amounts of response from our survey we would like to share the feedback that the external experts provided: </p> <p> · 51% found the Inspiration for Development event truly inspirational </p> <p> · 92% stated that this event has brought them new thoughts or ideas. </p> <p> A few points of criticism were made about the lack of time to dive deeper into the contents of the workshops and the lack of time to meet and acquaint with other external experts and CBI staff. </p> <p> We take this feedback to heart and in our next conference we aim to find more balance between inspiration, deepening contents and networking. <br /> <br /> Once again CBI wants to thanks all the participants for their attendance and valuable input. </p> http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1044Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1044 <p> In April of this year, CBI took part in an official trade mission to Afghanistan together with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, NL EVD International, PUM, EFV and the Dutch Embassy in Kabul. The mission was aimed at strengthening ties with important stakeholders from business community and fostering discussions on deepening trade relations and exports to the EU. </p> <p> This was the first official visit by a CBI Country Programme Manager since CBI became active in Afghanistan in 2007. It allowed for a scan of growth sectors, especially in the Northern Provinces, awareness creation of CBI services and identification of companies eligible for the two new regional Export Coaching Programmes: Food ingredients and Home Deco/Textiles. The latter was further explored during a CBI initiated stakeholders meeting on the 24-25^th April where over 20 established companies where present. </p> <p> During the visit, CBI was also able to intensify its relations with Export Promotion Agency of Afghanistan (EPAA) which it signed an agreement with in June of 2011. This has given way to a more coordinated approach to improving exports from businesses in the country wishing to gain a foothold in EU marketplace, given also the current challenges in infrastructure and security. </p> <p> Afghanistan is at the heart of Dutch foreign policy and will continue to invest among others directives in creating possible economic opportunities for the private sector. Here CBI will play an enabling role by enlarging the scope of its operations in the country and in stimulating export oriented growth. </p> http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1045Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1045 <p> <b> <br /> </b> </p> <p> Thembi Tobie, a participant in CBI's Export Coaching Programme Wine held a TED talk at the TEDxUtrechtUniversity event on April 17. The theme of this event was social entrepreneurship. <br /> <br /> You can watch the talk by Thembi Tobie and others at <a href="http://bit.ly/JCPOWL" target=_blank target="_blank">http://bit.ly/JCPOWL</a> </p> http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1046Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1046 <p> To view the market intelligence surveys and search for specific documents, please visit our market intelligence database </p> <a href="http://www.cbi.eu/marketinfo/cbi/?" target=_blank target="_blank">http://www.cbi.eu/marketinfo/cbi/?</a> <p> To be of better assistance in searching for all market intelligence surveys, we have improved the existing search criteria. It is now not only possible to search by sector and keyword, but you can also search by language. </p> <p> The database includes Market Intelligence surveys on the following sectors: </p> <p> - Apparel </p> <p> - Business Process Outsourcing </p> <p> - Castings and Forgings </p> <p> - Coffee, tea and Cocoa </p> <p> - Cut Flowers </p> <p> - Electronic Components </p> <p> - Engineering Products </p> <p> - Fishery Products </p> <p> - Food Ingredients </p> <p> - Fresh Fruit and Vegetables </p> <p> - Home and Furnishing Textiles </p> <p> - Home Decoration and Accessoiries </p> <p> - Honey and Sugars </p> <p> - IT Outsourcing Services </p> <p> - Jewellery </p> <p> - Natural colours, flavours and thickeners </p> <p> - Natural Ingredients for cosmetics </p> <p> - Natural ingredients for Pharmaceuticals </p> <p> - Pipes and Process Equipments </p> <p> - Preserved Food and Vegetables </p> <p> - Spices and Herbs </p> <p> - Stationary Items </p> <p> - Timber </p> <p> - Tourism </p> <p> - Vegetable Oils &amp; Fats </p> <p> - Wine </p> <p> For any further information, please feel free to contact the MI team (<a href="mailto:marketinfo@cbi.eu">marketinfo@cbi.eu</a>). </p> http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1043Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1043 http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1042Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1042 <p> On 9 March, 2012, a 4-year Business Support Organisation Development (BSOD) programme with the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ibce.org.bo/" target=_blank>Bolivian Institute for Foreign Trade (IBCE)</a> was successfully completed. This CBI programme was launched in December 2007 to strengthen IBCE as a leading, customer-driven and value-adding provider of export market information services to Bolivia's export community. </p> <p> Strong management commitment at IBCE, coaching and training by CBI experts (including through an internship programme for IBCE staff at a market research agency in The Netherlands), and active involvement of all IBCE staff, led to the two major results that the programme set out to achieve: </p> <ol type="1" start="1"> <li> Upgraded and new customized IBCE information and consultancy services, products and tools, optimising technology, and including rapid customer response; and </li> <li> A more effective and efficient and financially self-sustainable organisation. </li> </ol> <p> Some concrete <b>programme results</b> are: </p> <h2> 90% financial self-sustainability through market-based services </h2> <p> Through the development of new innovative services and the optimization and customization of existing services, IBCE has managed to become much less dependent on external donors or member contributions. Its new and improved services now make up 90% of its total revenues (compared to 5% in 2004). </p> <h2> Innovative and differentiated ICT-enabled service delivery </h2> <p> 'Innovation' and 'differentiation' are now the key words at IBCE. New products and services have been developed, and existing ones improved by making maximum use of modern information and communication technologies. Social media like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter are used to promote these services. Examples are: </p> <p> · &quot;CIFRAS&quot;, an electronic statistical service, which, since its launch in February 2011, managed to attract over 25.000 new subscribers; </p> <p> · &quot;On-line catalogues&quot;: electronic promotion tool for Bolivian exporters; </p> <p> · The &quot;Friends of IBCE&quot; loyalty programme; </p> <p> · &quot;IBCE Data Trade&quot;, a daily newsletter; </p> <p> · &quot;IBCE M@il&quot;, a customized electronic alerting service with thousands of subscribers </p> <p> · The &quot;Comercio Exterior&quot; newspaper (the last edition of which was downloaded 60,000 times in 2 weeks' time). </p> <h2> A re-designed improved IBCE website </h2> <p> Supported by CBI experts, IBCE's ICT staff re-designed IBCE's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ibce.org.bo/" target=_blank>portal</a>, making it more user-friendly and action oriented, and turning it into one of the most visited sites from Bolivia on the internet. The re-designed website managed to attract 1.5 million document downloads in 2011. </p> <h2> New and Improved CSR services </h2> <p> CSR consultancy services (including a &quot;CSR quick scan&quot;, code of conduct development, and CSR improvement planning) were developed, as well as a dedicated <a target="_blank" href="http://www.rsebolivia.org/" target=_blank>website</a>, turning IBCE into a leading institution in this area, well recognized by local companies as well as international donors and NGOs including UNICEF, ILO and Dutch NGO Solidaridad. </p> <h2> A new strategic plan </h2> <p> A new strategic plan was developed to diversify and consolidate IBCE's revenue base, strengthen IBCE's position and image as a self-sustaining think tank. This strategy paved the way for IBCE to become a 'lean and meaningful' organization (small but strong), a 'bridge builder' between the public and private sector, a well-known think tank on foreign trade matters; and an innovative and efficient organisation. Guided by this new strategy, IBCE prioritized and segmented its clients and services, developed its client portfolio into a mix of private businesses, Bolivian Government actors (at the central and local level), foreign embassies, international donors, and NGOs), and approached the new client portfolio with new tailor-made service packages through marketing and sales campaigns. </p> <h2> A stronger internal organisation, including a new marketing and sales department </h2> <p> The programme managed to build in-house capacity at IBCE, by developing a knowledge management culture, consolidating and documenting processes, initiating professional development plans and employee satisfaction surveys, developing skills of staff, re-aligning and building bridges between different organisational units, institutionalizing focus group discussions and customer satisfaction surveys as an integral part of IBCE's client satisfaction monitoring system. A new Market and Sales department was also established, with support from local CBI experts. </p> <h2> New alliances with other organisations </h2> <p> New alliances were forged and agreements and contracts signed with public and private entities, such as the Bolivian National Customs, and the Autonomous University &quot;Gabriel René Moreno&quot;, CBI, the Embassy of Denmark, national and international private businesses, and national and international NGOs such as HIVOS, and Friends of Nature. </p> <p> <b>Feedback from clients</b> of IBCE point out that IBCE is on the right track. Focus group discussions held in 2009 and 2011 and results of an on-line survey conducted in 2011 show that an overwhelming majority of IBCE clients rate IBCE's new and improved services as good or excellent, and all clients rate IBCE's services higher than at the beginning of the BSOD programme. </p> <p> Upon completion of the programme, IBCE's General Manager Mr Gary Antonio Rodríguez commented: &quot; <i> Thanks to CBI, the improvement in our products and services has benefited not only our organisation, but also other economic actors that are involved in exports and imports, in fact, the country itself has benefited from this programme'. </i> </p> <p> For more information, please contact Erik Plaisier, at <a href="mailto:eplaisier@cbi.eu">eplaisier@cbi.eu</a> </p> <p> <i> Closing Ceremony of the BSOD IBCE Programme with, from left to right, on the front row, CBI Expert Alfons van Duijvenbode, IBCE Managing Director Gary Rodríguez, and CBI Expert Joost van der Kooij) </i></p><p /><p><img src="http://www.cbi.eu/img/content/bsodibces.jpg" /><i></i> </p> <p> <br /> </p> <p> <i> </i> </p> <p> <i>Video Testimonial 1: IBCE's General Manager Mr Gary Antonio Rodriguez looking back on the BSOD Programme</i></p><p><i></i> </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/INVeIHex2io" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> <p> <i> </i> </p> <p> <i>Video Testimonial 2: Technical Management Assistant Juan Pablo Saucedo on </i> <i>Knowledge management and the consolidation and documentation of processes at CBI</i> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mV9uZgZQ0no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> <i></i> </p> http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1041Wed, 28 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0200http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1041 <p>The dutch Ambassador in Pakistan together with CBI visited Rastgar Engineering Company which successfully completed the Export Coaching Programme Subcontracting, Castings &amp; Forgings in 2010. </p> <p>For an article on the visit by the embassy please see: <a target="_blank" href="http://bit.ly/GGAW96" target=_blank>http://bit.ly/GGAW96</a>.</p> <p>For the Press release created by Rastgar Engineering Company please  <a href="http://www.cbi.eu/download/actualiteit/Press_Release_Dutch_Ambaasador_visit_01_2.pdf">click here</a>. </p><p /><p align="center"><img src="http://www.cbi.eu/img/content/visit_rastgar.jpg" /></p> http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1040Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0100http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1040 Taking stock of what's been achieved and inspiring participants to surpass themselves in the future, that was the theme of the External Expert conference 'Inspiration for Development' held at CBI's The Hague offices on February 29. http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1038Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0100http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1038 <p>The WTO’s Council for Trade in Goods has approved the EU waiver on duties for 75 products from some of Pakistan’s most important export oriented products, including textiles and leather.  The waiver is meant to help Pakistan recover from the economic effects of the floods that affected the country in 2010.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11pt;">CBI Deputy Managing Director Dick de Man said:  <o:p /></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11pt;">“As this scheme is intended to boost exports from Pakistan to the EU, we at CBI are pleased about the opportunities this creates for our partners and in providing the right programmes and services to make this happen.” </span></i></p> http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1037Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1037 <p> Friday, February 3, 2012, the Director-General of the WTO, Dr. Pascal Lamy visited CBI on his personal request.</p><p><img src="http://www.cbi.eu/img/content/Lamy_web3.jpg" /></p><p /><p /><p>The two hours encounter 'In conversation' took place in the presence of the delegation of the permanent representation of The Netherlands with ambassador for the United Nations Mr. Roderick van Schreven, representatives of Dutch trade and industry, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Netherlands and NL Agency. </p><p /><p>The DG WTO has always been closely involved in the work of CBI as one of the instruments in the Aid for Trade agenda to ensure that developing countries fully exploit the market access opportunities. </p><p /><p>The encounter started with an update since his last visit on how CBI adapted its organisation and its service delivery in order for the SME's to meet the challenges of the market reality and to better integrate into the global trading system. A representative from NL Agency with whom CBI will join forces clarified the Agency's historic role in export promotion for the Dutch business community and the various programmes it executes for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs aiming at private sector development in developing countries. With this background, NL Agency is happy that CBI will join forces with NL Agency. The collaboration between CBI and NL Agency ensures a value adding proposition towards both SME's in developing countries and Dutch entrepreneurs. </p><p /><p>Next there was an exchange between the DG WTO and entrepreneurs and their associations from the sectors Agriculture, Consumer, Industrial and Services, respectively ModInt, FME, VNO-NCW, GMV and CBI partner organisation IDH to discuss the current situation of the world trade and specifically the challenges they encounter in trading with developing countries. DG WTO addressed all issues raised. Certain issues will require follow up from parties involved in the next few months.</p> http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1039Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1039 <p>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>. </p><p>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>.</p> http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1036Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1036http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1034Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1034 <br />Meet 32 suppliers from developing countries, trained and ready for EU partnerships<br /><br />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.  http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1035Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1035 During a final meeting in November 2011 with the Exports Promotion Director of Promperu, CBI’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=1033 <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 11px/normal Calibri; "><b>NATURE’S PRIDE WINNER OF THE LATIN AMERICA TRADE AWARD 2011</b></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 11px/normal Calibri; min-height: 13px; " /> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 11px/normal Calibri; ">On 15 December, the Latin America Trade Award 2011 was awarded to Dutch company <a href="www.naturespride.eu"> <b>Nature’s Pride</b></a>.  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. </p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 11px/normal Calibri; "><span style="font: normal normal normal 11px/normal 'Lucida Grande'; "><br /> </span>Ever since its establishment in 2001, Nature’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 ‘Ethical Trade Agreement’, Nature’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 Nature’s Pride’s corporate philosophy and strategy. Nature’s Pride is also actively engaged in important innovations in transport, and recently started ‘Fair for Life – Fair Trade’ certification of its products. In Latin America, CBI and Nature’s Pride collaborate closely in supporting fruits and vegetable exporters in such countries as Guatemala and Colombia.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 11px/normal Calibri; min-height: 13px; " /> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 11px/normal Calibri; ">Apart from the LATA 2011 for Nature’s Pride, a People’s Choice Award was awarded, based on popular votes, to <b><a href="www.thermaflex.com">Thermaflex</a></b>, 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.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 11px/normal Calibri; min-height: 13px; "> </p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 11px/normal Calibri; ">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.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 11px/normal Calibri; min-height: 13px; " /> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 11px/normal Calibri; min-height: 13px; "><img src="http://www.cbi.eu/img/content/LA_Award.png" /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 11px/normal Calibri; min-height: 13px; " /><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 11px/normal Calibri; min-height: 13px; " /> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 11px/normal Calibri; "><i>Photo: Adriëlle Dankier, Nature’s Pride / Jan Bestebreurtje, President of NLABC / Chris Buijink, Secretary-General Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture &amp; Innovation / Els Lindeboom, Nature’s Pride</i></p><div><i></i></div> http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1032Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1032 Institutional development programme with Bolivia's Exporter Chambers ends at International Conference in Santa Cruz<br /> 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=1029 Completion of Four-year Capacity Building for Peruvian Exporter Association ADEX<br /> 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=1030 On 6 December, 2011, CBI expert Mr Piet Schotel, participated in the &quot;Holland Day&quot;, 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=1031 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=1028 <p>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. </p> <p>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. </p> http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1026Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1026 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=1027 <p>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.</p><p> The Senegal NTF II Project &quot;Enhancing export competitiveness of mangoes for the Niayes region in Senegal,&quot; 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. </p><p> Please <a href="http://www.cbi.eu/download/actualiteit/PRSR18580.pdf">click here</a> to read more </p> http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1024Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1024 <p>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. </p> http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1025Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1025 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=1022 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=1023<p>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.</p>http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1015Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1015CBI, the Dutch Centre for Promotion of Imports from developing countries, an agency 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.<br />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=1020<p>On December 9, 2011 the The Hague Chamber of Commerce is organising a congress on Macedonian Business Forum and Networking.</p><p />http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1021Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1021CBI recently published updates of the following market surveys on its website: <ul><li>wine </li><li>vegetable oils &amp; fats </li><li>nat. flavours &amp; thickeners </li><li>cosmetics </li><li>preserved fruit &amp; veg. &amp; nuts </li><li>spices &amp; herbs </li><li>honey </li><li>garments </li><li>office &amp; school supply </li><li>pipes &amp; process eq. </li><li>castings &amp; forgings </li><li>automotive p&amp;c </li><li>tourism </li><li>ITO </li></ul><p>More surveys will be finalised during the upcoming weeks.</p><p>CBI’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>.</p><p>For any further information, please feel free to contact the MI team (marketinfo@cbi.eu).</p>http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1014Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1014<p>The Foundation for Business Competitiveness in India has recently been launched by 12 consultants who are being exhaustively trained by CBI under a joint initiative with various stakeholders like the Ministry of Commerce, DSIR and CII. </p><p>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 consultants represent multi-functional areas in different sectors ranging from auto components, dies and molds, castings and forgings to agri and food processing.</p><p>The foundation has a three dimensional approach of supporting the enterprise, industry and sector improve its competitiveness through diagnostics, training and 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>.</p><p>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. </p><p>The Foundation for Business Competitiveness was launched with a one day workshop at Hotel The Leela Palace, Chanakyapuri on the most talked about topics of “Combatting China: The Strategic approach”. Mr Vinod Sharma, President of the FBC, orchestrated the workshop by showcasing a distinctive strategic model of The magic pallet 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.</p>http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1013Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1013<p>On November 23rd and 24th, 2011, the 1st International Trade Facilitation Forum “Thinking about Global SMEs” will take place in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia.  </p><p />http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1011Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0200http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1011 <p>Participation in a new CBI programme as the opportunity to open up for the European Market.</p> http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1010Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0200http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1010 <p>Strategic Partnerships: Doing the right things</p><p> </p><p>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.  </p><p> </p><p>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. </p><p> </p><p>Trained to Get it Right</p><p>These 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. </p><p> </p><p>All of these businesses are, at a minimum, ISO 9001:2008 certified. Many are utilising or are currently implementing Process Control.</p><p> </p><p>The Right Products</p><p>At 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. </p><p> </p><p>These companies provide a wide range of products.</p><p> </p><p>They are experienced in serving a wide range of industries: railways; automotive manufacturers; medical suppliers; farming, aerospace  and other industrial manufacturers; chemical companies and food processing. </p><p> </p><p>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. </p><p> </p><p>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. </p><p> </p> http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=56&eid=163Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0200http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=56&eid=163<p>High Quality at Sharp Price Points</p><p> </p><p>The deepest dive. The highest scaffold. The hottest furnace. When challenges arise – the best and bravest suit up and go. That’s why the personal protection equipment sector exists, to keep the men and women who take the greatest risks safe and secure. </p><p> </p><p>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. </p><p> </p><p>That’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. </p><p> </p><p>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. </p><p> </p><p>CBI is Your Safety Net</p><p>CBI 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. </p><p> </p><p>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.</p><p> </p><p>Trained for Today … And Tomorrow </p><p>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. </p><p> </p><p>Over the past 40 years, thousands of exporters from developing countries have found their way to Europe through CBI’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.</p><p> </p><p>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. </p>http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=56&eid=160Sun, 18 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0200http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=56&eid=160 <p>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.<br /><br /><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.</p> http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1008Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0200http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1008 <p><br />CBI is  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). </p><p>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.</p><p><img src="http://www.cbi.eu/img/content/linkedin.jpg" /></p><p>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 CBI’s discussion platform in LinkedIn, within the subgroup Market Intelligence. To be able to participate into these discussions, you need to have a LinkedIn  account. </p><p>What is LinkedIn? LinkedIn is the world’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.</p><p>To subscribe go to this link:  <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 CBI’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.  </p><p>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. </p><p>We hope to see you at our discussion platform.</p> http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1007Mon, 05 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0200http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1007<p>CBI made a film that provides insight in the coaching process of the CBI and the successes made by the CBI and the featured company EcoBenin. The company, EcoBenin, is a participant in the CBI programme since two years.  EcoBenin has a strong focus on ecotourism. Ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel.</p><p>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></p>http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1003Wed, 03 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0200http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1003<p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Verdana; FONT-SIZE: 9pt" lang="EN-GB">CBI will participate in the ITMA 2011 trade fair in Barcelona. Manufacturers of paints and coatings that have participated in CBI's Export Coaching Programme will exhibit their products.</span><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Verdana" lang="EN-GB"></span></p>http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=56&eid=159Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0200http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=56&eid=159<p /><p>If 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. </p><p>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. </p><p>This document provides information on the legal restrictions, as well as information on testing methods and a practical example of current business implementation procedures.</p><p /><br /><br /><p>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.</p>http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1002Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0200http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1002<p>Over 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. </p>http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1001Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0200http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1001<a name="_GoBack"></a><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: " lang="EN-GB">In the last week of May two exciting events took place in the course of the Export Coaching Programme for Outerwear &amp; Fashion Sportswear.</span> http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1000Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0200http://www.cbi.eu/?pag=55&nid=1000On May 31, we received the sad news that our external expert Raghavendra Okade (Raghu) had deceased.<br /><br />Raghu was one of CBI's local external experts for Electronic Components and Systems in CBI’s joint Export Coaching Programme.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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=999