News

A bold new chapter for women in Caribbean trade began yesterday, November 6, 2025, in Dominica as the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), in collaboration with Global Affairs Canada (GAC), unveiled GRIT – Caribbean Women Entrepreneurs Generating Resilient and Inclusive Trade at Barana Aute in the Kalinago Territory.

The programme aims to transform the regional business landscape by helping women-led enterprises navigate barriers to trade, scale their impact, and sustain growth through green transition, digital transformation, and expanded market access.

The launch event brought together representatives from the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, the Government of Canada, the Dominica Export Import Agency (DEXIA), and women entrepreneurs from across the island – all united by a shared commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment and inclusive growth.

Empowering Women in Trade

“Initiatives like GRIT are not only about empowering women, but they are also about shaping the future of Caribbean trade. A future where our businesses, particularly MSMEs, are positioned to navigate global complexities and seize opportunities in diversified markets,” said Dr. Damie Sinanan, Executive Director of the Caribbean Export Development Agency.

Representing the Government of Canada, H.E. Brenda Wills, High Commissioner of Canada to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to advancing gender equality and supporting inclusive growth across the region stating: “Trade can be a powerful catalyst for inclusive growth”. She continued: “Canada strongly supports inclusive trade—where the benefits of economic opportunity are shared equitably among youth, Indigenous peoples, and women. We believe this is essential for building resilience and sustainability.”

In her welcome remarks, Chief Anette Thomas Sanford, Chief of the Kalinago Territory, underscored the importance of empowering indigenous and women entrepreneurs to lead local economic development.

Meanwhile Ms. Paula Platsko, General Manager of DEXIA, highlighted the importance of collaboration in enhancing trade opportunities for women across Dominica and the wider Caribbean.

GRIT Programme Overview

Wayne Elliott, Manager of Technical Programmes at Caribbean Export, presented an overview of the GRIT programme, detailing how it supports women-owned businesses through technical assistance, market intelligence, and trade facilitation. With CAD $3.16 million in funding from the Government of Canada, GRIT is a four-year initiative aimed at boosting women’s participation in export markets — particularly to Canada — by providing resources, training, and business linkages across Dominica, Belize, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Keynote and Fireside Conversations

Delivering the Keynote Address, Hon. Cozier Frederick, Minister for Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment, emphasized that empowering women entrepreneurs is critical to achieving resilient and sustainable development in Dominica. “The story of Dominica’s progress cannot be told without honoring the women of the Kalinago Territory — the first women of this land, whose resilience, skill, and wisdom have quietly shaped the nation’s character and development for centuries,” said Minister Frederick.

The keynote address was followed by a Fireside Chat, featuring Dominican women entrepreneurs Lana Athanaze, CEO of Éclat Nova Luxuries, and Natasha Green, of Tilou Kanawa Restaurant & Artisan Brand. The engaging discussion explored the challenges, creativity and resilience of women leading businesses in the creative industries.

The GRIT launch marks another step forward in the country’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable trade. Through collaboration between Caribbean Export, Global Affairs Canada, and national trade agencies like DEXIA, the initiative is set to open new doors for women entrepreneurs — turning ambition into opportunity and potential into progress.

Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) has extended the application deadline for the BRIDGE Grant Programme to Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. AST. 

This decision follows the widespread disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa, which brought severe weather conditions and extensive power and internet outages across several Caribbean states. These challenges significantly affected businesses’ and entrepreneurs’ ability to complete their applications on time. 

Caribbean Export stands in solidarity with all those affected by the hurricane and remains committed to ensuring that private sector firms across the region have equitable access to this important funding opportunity. 

The extension provides additional time for applicants to finalize their submissions and ensures that no one is disadvantaged due to circumstances beyond their control. 

Hurricane Melissa also serves as a reminder of the growing impacts of climate change and the urgent need to strengthen the region’s resilience. Caribbean Export continues to support the Caribbean private sector with the tools, resources, and partnerships necessary to build resilience and accelerate the transition to a green economy. 

For more information on the BRIDGE Grant Programme and how to apply, please visit www.carib-export.com/opportunties/. 

The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) and Caribbean Dragons have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during the Ignite Caribbean Summit 2025, held in Trinidad and Tobago. The agreement marks a significant milestone in advancing innovation, entrepreneurship, and access to finance for Caribbean Businesses.

The MOU formalises a collaborative framework between Caribbean Export and Caribbean Dragons to foster private sector growth and build a more vibrant startup ecosystem across the region. The partnership will focus on strengthening access to finance, supporting innovation and technology adoption, and enhancing the competitiveness of Caribbean enterprises—particularly those led by youth and women.

Manager- Technical Programmes of the Caribbean Export Development Agency, Mr. Wayne Elliott, underscored the importance of partnerships and collaboration in driving sustainable regional growth.

“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to empowering Caribbean entrepreneurs by connecting them to the knowledge, networks, and financing that they need to scale their businesses and compete globally. This collaboration advances our mission to drive private sector development and regional economic growth. By working together, we aim to unlock new avenues for investment, mentorship, and innovation that will empower Caribbean entrepreneurs to scale their businesses and compete on the global stage. The transformational impact of this partnership lies in its potential to not only accelerate the growth of high-potential enterprises but also to inspire a culture of entrepreneurship and investment across the region. We look forward to the far-reaching benefits this alliance will bring to our economies and our people.”

Caribbean Dragons, an investor network and ecosystem builder dedicated to supporting early- and growth-stage enterprises, will work with Caribbean Export to mobilise capital, build the capacity of enterprises and the investor base, and promote opportunities for Caribbean entrepreneurs.

Mr. Marc G. Persaud, Co-Founder and Director of Caribbean Dragons, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to driving innovation and regional transformation.

“At Caribbean Dragons, our vision is to build a globally competitive Caribbean Innovation Ecosystem. Our goal is to foster connections, share knowledge, and remove roadblocks to empower our people’s creative and innovation potential. One of the lynchpins of our approach is to form long lasting and resonant relationships with like-minded and aligned organisations who are dedicated to changing the future of our region. As such we are absolutely thrilled to be officially partnering with Caribbean Export Development Agency, which has been doing pioneering work in the realm of early-stage investments. The collaboration between Caribbean Dragons and Caribbean Export will have a multiplier effect on each other’s programming and has the potential to be a vital ingredient in the transition of our economies.”

The partnership aligns with Caribbean Export’s EU-supported programmes, including the Regional Private Sector Development Programme (RPSDP III) and the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator, both of which seek to strengthen MSME competitiveness, improve access to finance, and encourage digital innovation across the Caribbean.

Through the MOU, both organisations have committed to explore and jointly implement initiatives such as:

• • Startup support and acceleration programmes including pitch events and innovation challenges;
  • Investor forums and financing mechanisms to connect MSMEs with funders and broaden the regional investor base;
  • Capacity-building and mentorship programmes focused on digital transformation and export readiness; and
  • Cross-regional partnerships linking Caribbean entrepreneurs with opportunities in Latin America and Europe.

The agreement reinforces both organisations’ mission to catalyse sustainable, inclusive growth by nurturing entrepreneurship, strengthening the private sector, and advancing regional economic resilience.

The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), backed by the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative, has launched the Building Resilient Innovation for Digital & Green Enterprises (BRIDGE) facility. The programme offers co-financing of up to EUR 100,000 to help Caribbean micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) transition to more sustainable and digitally competitive business models.

BRIDGE is designed to strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of MSMEs across CARIFORUM by addressing two of the most urgent priorities for the region’s private sector: green transition and digital transformation.

Through two dedicated streams, MSMEs can access funding support to accelerate their growth:

Green Transition – The European Union will co-finance up to EUR 100,000 (60% of project costs) for projects in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, circular economy, blue economy, and green services and technologies.

Digital Transformation – The European Union will co-finance up to EUR 50,000 (60% of project costs) for initiatives in e-commerce, business process automation, cybersecurity, digital products, and supply chain digitization.

Beneficiaries are required to contribute at least 40% of project costs, ensuring strong ownership, sustainability, and a shared commitment to success.

Building Resilient and Competitive Caribbean Firms

This grant component is part of the Regional Private Sector Development Programme (RPSDP III), which seeks to foster inclusive growth, innovation, and job creation across CARIFORUM. It is funded by the European Union and implemented by Caribbean Export.

Dr. Damie Sinanan, Executive Director at Caribbean Export, emphasized the importance of this initiative:

“BRIDGE is not just about financing — it is about co-investing in the future of our businesses. By supporting the green and digital transitions, we are empowering businesses to reduce costs, innovate, and access new export markets. This is how we build a more competitive, resilient, and inclusive Caribbean economy.”

H.E. Fiona Ramsey, Ambassador of the European Union to Barbados and Ambassador Designate to the Eastern Caribbean States, added:

“The EU is proud to partner with Caribbean Export in supporting businesses on their journey toward sustainability and digitalization. These transitions are essential for the Caribbean’s long-term competitiveness and integration into global value chains. This clearly demonstrates that the EU stands ready to support Caribbean businesses in creating jobs, reducing vulnerabilities, and driving innovation for generations to come.”

Call for Applications

Applications for both streams of the BRIDGE are now open and will close on November 9, 2025, at 11:59 PM, AST.

Eligible firms can access guidelines, application forms, and budget templates at www.carib-export.com.

Applications must be submitted via email with all required documentation.

The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at enhancing cooperation to accelerate sustainable investment and project development in the Caribbean region.

The MOU was signed in Montego Bay by Dr. Damie Sinanan, Executive Director of Caribbean Export, and Anton Edmunds, General Manager of the IDB’s Caribbean Country Department. This strategic partnership will support the implementation of the ONE Caribbean Project Preparation Coordination Mechanism (PPCM), designed to create a robust pipeline of well-prepared, market-ready projects to attract financing from regional and global investors.

Under the agreement, both organizations will collaborate to:

• Enhance project readiness by improving the quality and structuring of projects, making them more attractive to investors and financiers.
• Expand investment opportunities by developing a pipeline of bankable projects aligned with the Caribbean’s sustainable development goals.
• Maximize regional synergies by engaging investment promotion agencies and stakeholders to strengthen the region’s overall investment landscape.

Dr. Damie Sinanan expressed optimism about the collaboration: “This partnership with the IDB marks a significant step in advancing our mission to mobilize impactful investments for the Caribbean. Together, we will foster innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth by ensuring that projects are well-prepared and positioned to attract the financing needed to transform our economies.”

Anton Edmunds of the IDB emphasized the Bank’s commitment: “Through this MOU, we are deepening our partnership with Caribbean Export to unlock greater access to financing and technical support for Caribbean countries and investing companies. The ONE Caribbean Project Preparation Coordination Mechanism will play a critical role in strengthening project pipelines, supporting private sector development, and delivering transformative impact across the region.”

The MOU will remain in effect for three years, with a joint Action Plan that will guide collaborative activities, including information exchange, stakeholder engagement, and potential staff exchanges, all aimed at improving the Caribbean’s project development ecosystem.

For more information, visit www.carib-export.com or www.iadb.org

Nigel Baptiste, President and Chief Executive Officer of Republic Financial Holdings Limited, has stated that financing a ‘Green Caribbean’ is indeed achievable—but will require sustained effort and a multi-faceted strategy.

While the region has expressed strong interest in transitioning to a green economy, challenges persist in closing the investment gap and securing adequate climate finance.

“It is feasible to finance a ‘Green Caribbean,’ but it requires a multi-pronged approach involving various financing mechanisms and a strong commitment from both public and private sectors. While the region faces challenges like high debt levels and limited access to traditional financing, innovative solutions and international support are increasingly available,” Baptiste said.

As global warming accelerates and climate-related weather events grow more frequent and intense, it has become imperative to restructure production and consumption patterns. This transformation promotes alignment among the triple goals of environmental, economic, and social sustainability.

“The challenge of climate change has given rise to a variety of initiatives aimed at the ‘greening of the global economy,’ that is, the creation of an economy which the planet can sustain indefinitely,” Baptiste added.

To effectively respond to the realities of climate change, the Caribbean requires major investment in both climate adaptation and mitigation. This includes upgrading infrastructure, scaling renewable energy solutions, and advancing sustainable agriculture. Estimates indicate that the region needs between US$10 billion and US$29 billion annually to meet its climate targets.

However, many Caribbean nations face serious fiscal constraints.

“Many Caribbean nations are small island developing states (SIDS) with constrained budgets. Funding large-scale sustainable projects, such as port electrification and renewable energy installations, often requires international loans or grants,” Baptiste noted.

Public debt levels limit national capacity to fund green initiatives. Still, Baptiste believes that green finance represents a viable path forward.

“It is possible to finance a ‘Green Caribbean’, and various initiatives and mechanisms are being developed to support this transition. These include blended finance, green bonds, and impact investment vehicles tailored for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The focus is on bridging the investment gap by making green projects more bankable and attracting private sector involvement,” he said.

Anton Edmunds, General Manager of the Caribbean Country Department at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), supports this outlook, noting that green financing can and should involve a combination of public, private, and international sources.

“Public development banks, governments, and multilateral organizations play a crucial role, particularly in the initial stages, while private sector involvement is essential for long-term sustainability,” Edmunds said.
He added that green finance has the power to reshape Caribbean economies.

“Green finance can significantly improve Caribbean economies by attracting investment into sustainable projects, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and creating new economic opportunities. By embracing green finance, the Caribbean can build a more resilient, diversified, and environmentally sustainable future,” he explained.

Edmunds noted that the region is rich in natural capital, which, if properly managed, can be leveraged for transformative, inclusive development.

“Ecosystems such as coral reefs, among others, not only play an essential role in carbon absorption and water conservation, but also support the production of food, raw materials, and key resources for the livelihoods of the region’s population and economy,” he said.

Yet, the Caribbean remains highly vulnerable to climate impacts, ecosystem degradation, and pollution of air, water, and soil. These environmental threats carry serious socio-economic consequences, from food insecurity and public health challenges to slowed development.

“These phenomena have significant socioeconomic impacts, affecting livelihoods, food security, human health, and development. In this context, the IDB has been supporting governments through the Caribbean Development Bank, to help create a nexus between the nature, climate, waste, and energy portfolios through different policy instruments that integrate development and seek greater resource mobilization to address the triple planetary crisis,” Edmunds stated.

Green finance is increasingly being viewed not only as an environmental imperative but as a mechanism to accelerate broader national development goals.

Baptiste and Edmunds agree that the upcoming Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF 2025) presents an opportunity to spotlight investment-ready projects and solutions that advance the region’s green transition.

CIF 2025 is hosted by the Caribbean Export Development Agency in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, Investment & Commerce (MIIC), JAMPRO, the European Union Global Gateway, and the CARICOM Secretariat. Strategic partners include Republic Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority (JSEZA).

Other confirmed speakers include David Mogollon, Head of Cooperation EU Delegation to Barbados, Eastern Caribbean States, Trinidad and Tobago, the OECS and CARICOM/CARIFORUM, Karen Yip Chuck, Group Vice President, Republic Financial Holdings Limited and Vice President, Republic Bank Limited, Gillian Charles-Gollop, Executive Director, & Head, Corporate Banking & Sustainable Finance, CIBC, Darryl White, Managing Director – Caribbean Region IDB Invest and Antonio H. Pinheiro Silveira, Vice President – Private Sector CAF Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean.

KINGSTON, JAMAICA (July 21, 2025) — Darwin Telemaque, Port Manager at the Antigua Port Authority, has issued a strong call for regional port authorities to come together to advance the modernization and digitization of Caribbean ports. According to Telemaque, only through collective effort can ports across the region be uniformly elevated to meet the demands of the digital age.

The Caribbean is defined by its vibrant maritime industry, with ports serving as critical gateways for international trade, tourism, and regional connectivity. However, as the global demand for sustainability and digital integration intensifies, Caribbean ports face the dual challenge of adopting forward-thinking strategies while overcoming long-standing structural limitations.

Although several ports are implementing initiatives such as Single Windows for Foreign Trade (VUCEs) and Port Community Systems (PCS) to improve efficiency and facilitate trade, others continue to lag behind.

“Not all Caribbean ports are at the same level of digital maturity, with some still grappling with outdated infrastructure and processes. While some ports are investing in advanced technologies, others may lack the necessary infrastructure and skilled workforce to fully leverage digital solutions,” Telemaque said.

He also noted that many Caribbean ports are not equipped to handle modern vessels. “Berth congestion, limited draft, and antiquated handling equipment result in longer turnaround times and lower service reliability,” he said.

“Coordination between port authorities, customs, and terminal operators is often slow and fragmented. The lack of standardized procedures across jurisdictions further complicates operations for shipping lines and cargo owners,” he explained.

The region also trails in adopting digital port management systems. “Manual documentation and insufficient real-time cargo tracking increase processing times and limit transparency,” Telemaque said.

Adding to the complexity is the region’s vulnerability to climate-related disruptions. “The Caribbean’s vulnerability to hurricanes and sea-level rise also presents ongoing disruptions and long-term infrastructure risks. Some ports lack the resilience measures necessary to maintain operations during and after severe weather events.”

Though sustainability is on the agenda at several Caribbean ports, readiness levels vary significantly. “Although several Caribbean ports have started integrating sustainability into their operations. While their readiness is marked by initiatives in green technologies, infrastructural improvements, and policy frameworks, there is still much more significant work to be done,” he said.

Many ports have adopted Environmental Management Systems (EMS), often aligned with international standards such as ISO 14001, to help manage environmental risks, monitor emissions, and ensure regulatory compliance.

“Continued efforts, paired with a shared commitment to improvement, will allow the Caribbean shipping sector to strengthen its position globally, driven not only by strategic decisions but by the resilience and determination of the individuals who sustain it every day,” Telemaque added.

However, a number of deep-rooted challenges persist. “Many Caribbean nations are small island developing states (SIDS) with constrained budgets. Funding large-scale sustainable projects, such as port electrification and renewable energy installations, often requires international loans or grants,” he said.

Meanwhile, access to advanced technologies remains out of reach for many smaller ports. “Advanced technologies, such as automated cargo handling systems and emissions monitoring tools, remain prohibitively expensive for smaller ports.”

Telemaque also stressed the pressing need to address skills gaps. “Sustainable port operations demand specialized skills in areas such as green logistics, renewable energy systems, and digital technologies. However, many ports face shortages of trained professionals capable of implementing and managing these systems.”

Despite these structural and financial barriers, he expressed confidence in the region’s resilience. “While the Caribbean region faces clear structural and operational challenges, it is important to acknowledge the consistent and commendable efforts made by industry professionals across the board. Port workers, shipping agents, customs officers, terminal operators, and regional authorities continue to work under complex and often unpredictable conditions,” he concluded.

Darwin Telemaque will be among the distinguished speakers at the upcoming Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF) 2025, the region’s premier platform for investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to connect, collaborate, and capitalize on high-growth opportunities. The Forum will take place from July 29–31, 2025, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Jamaica. The event is hosted by the Caribbean Export Development Agency, in collaboration with the European Union Global Gateway, the Ministry of Industry, Investment & Commerce, JAMPRO, and the CARICOM Secretariat. Strategic partners include Republic Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank and the Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority.

Other confirmed speakers include;  Jeffrey Hall ⏤ CEO & Vice Chair Pan Jamaica Group Ltd, Asteway Desta ⏤ CEO – Caribbean DHL Express Americas, Kelli-Dawn Hamilton ⏤ Chief Executive Officer Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority and Gloria Henry ⏤ Vice President – BPO and Logistics Port Authority of Jamaica

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the global business landscape, demanding a shift in leadership strategies to remain competitive and innovative.

Digital leaders are now required to integrate AI-driven tools into decision-making processes, enhance operational efficiency, personalize customer experiences, and foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptability.

According to Alicia Lyttle, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, AI InnoVision by aligning vision, technology, and human capital, digital leaders can create a resilient, future-ready organization capable of thriving in an increasingly intelligent economy.

“AI is critical if you want to be more productive and efficient. When we look at businesses, we evaluate to see how AI can take specific tasks, to turn them into AI solutions. It does not matter what business you are in, there are ways to integrate AI to make the business more productive, which in turn drives profits,” Lyttle said.

Lyttle said the emergence of artificial intelligence technologies has fundamentally redefined leadership in the 21st century. In a rapidly digitizing global economy, leadership is no longer confined to conventional managerial roles centred around supervision, delegation, and strategy implementation. Instead, modern digital leadership demands a dynamic understanding of AI-powered tools and platforms that are revolutionizing how businesses operate, make decisions, and engage with customers.

“AI is not simply a tool for automation; it is a transformative force that enables data-driven insights, predictive analytics, and hyper-personalized services, thereby altering the very nature of organizational leadership. At the core of digital leadership in the age of AI lies the capacity to embrace innovation, harness data intelligently, and lead teams in environments of rapid technological evolution,” Lyttle said.

Lyttle, a renowned AI strategist also known as the ‘Queen of AI’ has over two decades of experience in artificial intelligence, digital transformation and business innovation. She is confirmed as one of the speakers at the Caribbean Investment Forum, scheduled for July 29-31, 2025, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, Montego Bay, St James.

Leaders today, she said, are expected to be visionaries who not only keep up with technological trends but also align those innovations with strategic business goals. This shift calls for a new set of competencies, including digital literacy, adaptability, ethical reasoning, and cross-functional collaboration.

“It is no longer sufficient for leaders to rely solely on traditional metrics of performance; they must now leverage AI to anticipate market changes, identify emerging risks, and uncover hidden opportunities,” Lyttle said.

Many businesses she said are unaware of how to integrate AI and smart technologies into their business. However, AI she said is not a trend, and is here to stay, so business owners can use CHAT GPT to assist them in ascertaining the relevant information they need to start the process.

“ChatGPT can significantly improve business operations by assisting with content creation, customer service, market research, and more. By leveraging its natural language processing capabilities, businesses can automate tasks, enhance communication, and gain valuable insights to drive growth and efficiency,” Lyttle said.

As a speaker, at the Caribbean Investment Forum, Lyttle will delve into the topic of ‘Digital Transformation in relation to AI and Smart Technologies for Business Development.’ She is excited to share how AI has emerged as one of the most transformative forces driving modern business growth.

“From strategic decision-making to personalized marketing and intelligent automation, AI empowers leaders to navigate complexity and seize new opportunities with confidence and precision,” Lyttle said.

The Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF) 2025 is the region’s premier platform for investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to connect, collaborate, and capitalize on high-growth opportunities in. The event is hosted by the Caribbean Export Development Agency, in collaboration with the European Union Global Gateway, the Ministry of Industry, Investment & Commerce, JAMPRO, and the CARICOM Secretariat. Strategic partners include Republic Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank and the Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority.

Other confirmed speakers include, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment, & Commerce, Jamaica, Dushyant Savadia Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Amber Group, and Pamela Coke Hamilton, Executive Director, International Trade Centre (ITC).

Montego Bay will take centre stage as a hub of opportunity and innovation when the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF) 2025, opens its doors from 29 to 31 July, 2025 at the Montego Bay Convention Center.

Under the theme “SMART. GREEN. CONNECTED.” the Forum will bring together a dynamic mix of investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and development partners to unlock new opportunities in priority sectors such as green economy transition, digitalisation, sustainable agriculture, and logistics.

Among the strategic partners championing this agenda is the European Union, whose longstanding development cooperation and strategic investments have long supported private sector growth and sustainable development across the Caribbean.

Under the banner of the European Union’s Global Gateway Programme —its flagship initiative for strengthening international partnerships – the Regional Private Sector Development Programme III (RPSDP III) stands as one of the most recent and significant EU-backed initiatives supporting the Caribbean’s economic transformation. The four-year initiative aims to strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of the Caribbean’s private sector in a sustainable way by addressing critical challenges and promoting economic growth.

Dr. Erja Askola EU Ambassador to Jamaica, Belize and The Bahamas stated that “The European Union is proud to support and collaborate with regional partners to mobilise investment in these crucial areas for growth, jobs and the Caribbean’s global competitiveness. I hope this forum will advance transformative initiatives and productive collaborations across borders..”

She added: “The Caribbean Investment Forum is more than an event – it’s a catalyst for forging meaningful partnerships, identifying viable projects, and connecting Caribbean innovation with global opportunities.”

At CIF 2025, the EU will spotlight its priority investment areas with a strong focus on green energy, digital transformation, sustainable agriculture and inclusive economic development—all vital pillars for a resilient and future-ready Caribbean.
The organisers of CIF have underscored the Forum’s role in deepening strategic partnerships and advancing shared development goals between the Caribbean and international stakeholders.

Executive Director of the Caribbean Export Development Agency, Dr. Damie Sinanan noted that “The Caribbean Investment Forum is a powerful platform to build bridges between the Caribbean and the European Union, fostering mutual growth and sustainable partnerships. We are deeply grateful for the EU’s continued support in unlocking new opportunities for innovation, trade, and investment that will empower Caribbean entrepreneurs and strengthen our shared resilience.”

The Caribbean Export Development Agency, organiser of CIF 2025, aims to leverage this momentum to forge innovative partnerships and generate additional resources to support private sector development across the Caribbean—fostering its commitment to sustainable growth and long-term prosperity in the region.

CIF 2025 welcomes the participation of investors, entrepreneurs, and change-makers, who are committed to shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for the region.

For more information on how to attend or partner with CIF 2025, visit www.caribbeaninvestmentforum.com or contact the organisers at info@carib-export.com.