Why Become a Member?

Membership

We currently have members in 20 Caribbean countries inclusive of:

Our members include:

• National private sector organisations across the region
• Pan Caribbean companies with offices across the Caribbean
• Local companies with operations in one country only
• Other regional private sector organisations
• Various educational and sectoral business groups

Our interaction with other private sector representatives at the national level

We do not seek to replicate private sector representation at a national level which is undertaken by the respective chambers and associations (except as a supporting voice where appropriate), but to impact upon the development, growth and competitive positioning of the Caribbean business environment as international and regional policy developments are being developed for implementation.

What makes the CAIC different from any other representative body?

Experience has shown that governments require the expertise and support of the private sector as a critical input to national and regional transformation. Whilst there are locally based associations in most countries to represent the private sector nationally, the CAIC is the only accredited private sector umbrella association operating at a regional level. As a result, the CAIC has access to various government organs and international agencies, which the local associations do not. The CAIC is strategically placed to influence regional government policies in creating the type of business climate that seeks to foster investment. The CAIC is the means by which Caribbean businesses can ensure that there is a representative which can bring a private sector perspective and ensure that practical business realities are taken into consideration by:

• the bodies that inform policy makers,
• by policy makers themselves and
• by the external agencies that seek to provide assistance to the region.

What else can we offer to you?

• We can link you with all of the Caribbean Chambers of Commerce, Manufacturers Associations, and National Associations, which have the information and contacts you need to facilitate business in their markets.
• We can network you with key business personalities in the Caribbean private sector by letting you know who are the key players in an industry, setting up meetings and facilitating initial contact, if not through your attendance at meetings then by direct introduction. This is facilitated by the fact that we have on our regional board of directors, respected business leaders and industry gurus in each of our member states.
• We can provide you with information on the latest developments in policies and policy initiatives before they are implemented as they may affect businesses operating within the region.
• We can ensure that your view is expressed at a variety of decision making bodies including:
• The Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED)
• CARICOM Heads of Government Conference
• Various Working Groups of CARICOM
• Americas Business Forum
• Agencies of the United Nations
• Caribbean Central America Action (CCAA) – formerly CLAA
• Agencies of the European Union
• Free Trade Association of the Americas (FTAA)