Caribbean Investment Forum launched with focus on food security, greener economies and new sectors

The Inaugural Caribbean Investment Forum is set to bring together international investors to promote the Caribbean as a business investment destination and focusing on environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions.

The first-ever Caribbean Investment Forum will be hosted at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Trinidad and Tobago from November 8 - 11. It is expected to attract more that 36 countries and over 400 delegates; inclusive of high-level industry experts, government policy-makers and investment facilitation agencies.

The main goals of the conference are promoting the Caribbean as a sustainable investment destination, under the premise that promoting investment in the Caribbean is a key component for the growth and development of the regional economy.

Deodat Maharaj, Executive Director at the Caribbean Export Development Agency, underscored the value and necessity of investing in a greener economy.

“As the most climate vulnerable region on the planet, we need to do a green economy transition; and it’s not an option, it’s an imperative. Doing a green economy transition is not just about going green. There are immense business opportunities for going green. The ILO, the International Labour Organisation, and the Inter-American Development Bank, in their study, projected that there will be an additional 400,000 jobs created through a green economy transition.”

The forum will focus on four main investment sectors: Agri-Tech, digital business including e- commerce, innovation, and technology; Green economy transition, and transport and logistics.

Participants will be able to network with vetted investors from around the world. with interest in bankable investment projects and prospects in the Caribbean.

The forum boasts world-class speakers from across the globe, covering topics such as ‘Financing for Investment’, ‘ICT and digital business’, and ‘Private Sector Engagement for Caribbean Transformation’ among others.

Senator Paula Gopie, Minister of Trade and Industry in the Twin Island Republic, said FDI levels show promising potential for investments moving forward.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) stocks measure the total level of direct investment at a given point in time.

“Despite the turbulent past and to some extent the present, there are signs that the world is recovering. According to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development… global FDI flows reached their highest quarterly levels in the past five years. As a result, many foresee 2022 as a critical year in which the imbalances wrought by the pandemic will likely begin to resolve.”