The Interreg V Caribbean, a multimillion dollar European Union-funded programme to strengthen regional partnerships, will be officially launched in St. Lucia December 14, 2016.

In addition to boosting the economic competitiveness of the region’s countries, the Interreg V Caribbean programme will also respond to environmental challenges and health issues, while promoting the joint cultural heritage of the region, according to EU officials. The programme focuses on priority areas such employment and innovation, natural hazards, the cultural environment, public health and renewable energy.

The Interreg V Caribbean programme partners regional organizations, including the Association of Caribbean States, CARICOM , CARIFORUM, and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, with the Regional Councils of the French Overseas Departments of Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guyana, and the French Overseas Collectivity of St Martin. The organizations will meet to discuss the coordination and implementation of the programme December 12-14 in St. Lucia.

The three-day conference will highlight projects supported by the programme, which aim to enhance regional collaboration. By launching the 2014-2020 programme in St. Lucia, the organizers are aiming to strengthen regional partnerships between the French Overseas Departments and the English-, Spanish- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean countries and territories of the region.

Another aim is to allow all regional stakeholders to be a part of the effort to put transnational cooperation at the heart of the sustainable development of the greater Caribbean.

Recognizing the growing importance of regional cooperation, the Interreg Caribbean budget has been increased from €63 million ($66.5 million) to €86 million ($91 million), of which €64.2 million ($68 million) is financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to support the projects to be covered by the programme through the French Overseas Departments and Territories.

The general session at St. Lucian by Rex Resorts December 14 is open to members of the public, especially entrepreneurs, project developers and other parties who have an interest in the financing of regional business opportunities.