CBI - Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries 4.65

CBI, the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries, contributes to sustainable and inclusive economic development in developing countries through the expansion of exports from these countries to Europe. CBI was established in 1971.

We are part of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency and are funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Our belief
It is our belief that trade is a good means to stimulate economic growth and promote employment. By supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries entering the European market we promote the integration of these countries in global value chains. We thereby help these countries, entrepreneurs and employees profit from the advantages trade brings.

We do not just aim to improve exports in terms of quantity, but also in terms of quality. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a starting point for all our activities. When we choose sectors and countries to start new programmes and select companies to participate we do not just look at opportunities on the European market, but also at opportunities for reducing CSR risks.

What we do
- Offer export coaching programmes to make SMEs in developing countries export market ready;

- Provide technical support to business support organisations in developing countries to increase the added value for their exporting members;

- Develop market information on potential export sectors in Europe;

- Inform and influence policy makers and

- Involve importers in the development and implementation of our programmes.

Our approach
What makes us unique is our so called integrated approach. This integrated approach entails involving many different stakeholders in our work, from SMEs to business support organisations, governments and international organisations. In this way we can tackle many different issues that impede exports.

Where we work
At the moment we are active in over 35 countries and in more than 25 sectors.