MISSION, COMPETENCIES, ORGANISATION

Mission

CBI contributes to sustainable economic development in developing countries through the expansion of exports from these countries.

Vision

CBI is THE expert in export development and export promotion from developing countries.

We have a solid network of international stakeholders. 

Our contribution consists of sustainable strengthening of the competitive capacity of SME exporters and producers in developing countries, focusing primarily on European markets.

We achieve this by offering an integrated approach, which is applicable to companies, business support organisations and governmental authorities.

Our core competence is threefold: advice, counselling and knowledge management.

Competencies

In order to accomplish its mission CBI concentrates on five core competencies. These are:

• Market knowledge
  CBI has an intimate knowledge of the structures, characteristics, developments and requirements of markets in the European Union.
• Product and production improvement
  CBI is able to provide technical assistance in improving products and production processes that contribute to the competitiveness on the EU markets.
• Quality control
  Quality is of main concern to the consumers and end users in the European Union. There are multiple rules, regulations and standards on quality (originating from) stipulated by the European Union, national governments, trade & industry, non-governmental organisations, etc. CBI is able to coach exporters and business support organisations in meeting the requirements in this regard.
• Export marketing and management
  CBI is able to provide technical assistance and training on improving export marketing and management knowledge and skills within companies and business support organisations.
• Market entry
  Through its knowledge of the markets and its long year experience CBI is able to provide guidance and market entry services to companies in gaining access to, maintaining and expanding market share on the EU markets.
  
  

  For disciplines beyond our core competencies, CBI cooperates with various other specialized organisations.

Organisation

The Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries (CBI) was established in 1971.

CBI is an Agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and part of the development cooperation effort of the Netherlands.

The organisation has four departments dealing with:

• market information and training;
• export coaching;
• institutional development of business support organisations;
• general affairs and accounting.

The number of staff employed by CBI is around 45. Besides, CBI calls on the assistance of a large number of external experts for the implementation of activities.

To get in touch with one of our staff members you can visit the contact section of our website.