We were involved in several programmes of Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries (CBI), which is part of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). These are some of our activities for RVO and CBI:

Programme management support

We helped programme managers design and implement programmes and projects, such as CBI’s cocoa programme in Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Training and coaching on sustainable business

We provided training and coaching on sustainable business to companies in developing countries, such as Egypt, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia and Pakistan. We helped them develop ambitious CSR plans and strategies.

Facilitation of workshops and conferences

For CBI, we chaired meetings on many different sectors, such as cotton, fish and seafood, motion control, garments, footwear, tea, honey, processed fruits and vegetables, and natural ingredients for health products. We also facilitated CBI peer groups, bringing together representatives from the European private sector (importers, wholesalers, retailers etc.), trade associations, research institutions and sector experts to share views and experiences on key market and trade trends and developments.

Tailored intelligence for companies in developing countries

Rupa Ganguli and Bart Slob did research on the market opportunities for shapewear and beachwear from Colombia, as part of CBI’s portfolio of tailored intelligence products on export opportunities to European markets.

Workshop with Egyptian and Jordanian CSR experts. Photo: Bart Slob

Workers at a bed linen manufacturer in Giza, Egypt. Photo: Bart Slob

CBI peer group on processed fruit and vegetables. Photo: Bart Slob

CSR training with cocoa cooperatives and exporters in Sierra Leone. Photo: Bart Slob

CBI conference on trade promotion. Photo: Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs

CBI peer group on tea. Photo: Bart Slob

Engineers at Tawakol Metal Industries. Photo: CBI.