Speeches

Excellencies, distinguished speakers, representatives of our partner organizations, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,

A very good morning to all.

It is a pleasure to welcome you to this Strategic Webinar on Trade and Investment Promotion, organized by the Directorate for Transport, Trade and Sustainable Development of the Association of Caribbean States.

I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to all participants joining us today, and particularly to our distinguished partners from the Inter-American Development Bank, the Caribbean Development Bank and Afreximbank. Your presence reflects the value of cooperation and partnership in advancing sustainable development across the Greater Caribbean.

We meet at a time of profound transformation in the global economy. Geopolitical uncertainty, shifting supply chains, technological change and growing competition for investment are reshaping the international landscape. In this context, the question for the Greater Caribbean is not whether opportunities exist, but how effectively we position ourselves to seize them.

Our region possesses extraordinary assets: a strategic geographic location, dynamic and diverse economies, entrepreneurial talent, and a unique capacity to serve as a bridge connecting markets, cultures and continents. Yet transforming this potential into greater opportunities and improved well-being for our peoples requires stronger institutions, greater investment, more efficient trade systems and enhanced regional connectivity.

Indeed, one of the most significant obstacles to unlocking the full potential of the Greater Caribbean remains the persistent challenge of connectivity.

Despite our geographic proximity, many of our economies remain more connected to markets beyond our region than to one another. The result is higher transportation costs, longer delivery times, reduced competitiveness and missed opportunities for trade, investment and productive integration.

For too long, the Greater Caribbean has borne a disproportionate share of the costs associated with disruptions in global trade and transportation. 
Our economies are often among the first to feel the effects of external shocks and among the last to benefit from recovery. This reality constrains productive sectors, limits market access and reduces opportunities for our people.

Improving connectivity is therefore not simply a transportation objective. It is an economic and development imperative. Every investment in transport infrastructure, logistics networks, trade facilitation and regional integration contributes directly to expanding opportunities, reducing costs, attracting investment and strengthening resilience.

A more connected Greater Caribbean is not only beneficial for our region. It contributes to more resilient supply chains, more efficient trade routes and a more balanced and inclusive global economy. Connectivity is, ultimately, the bridge between geography and opportunity.

This discussion is also particularly timely as we begin the implementation of the ACS Strategic Plan 2035, recently endorsed by our Member States and Associate Members.

The Strategic Plan sets forth a shared vision of a united, sustainable, resilient and interconnected Greater Caribbean. At its core is the recognition that stronger economic relations are not an end in themselves. They are a means of expanding opportunities, supporting innovation, strengthening resilience and advancing sustainable development for the benefit of our peoples.

As we move forward in implementing this vision, the role of development finance institutions becomes increasingly important.

Regional organizations such as the ACS play a critical convening and coordinating role, bringing together governments, development partners, financial institutions and stakeholders around common priorities and collective solutions. Yet regional institutions cannot fulfil this role alone.

The challenges we face—whether in connectivity, trade facilitation, investment promotion, climate resilience or sustainable development—transcend national borders. Regional solutions therefore require strong regional institutions, supported by strategic partnerships and sustained collaboration with development finance institutions.

For this reason, cooperation between institutions such as the IDB, the CDB, Afreximbank and regional intergovernmental organizations like the ACS is not simply desirable; it is essential. Strengthening regional mechanisms ultimately strengthens national development efforts and enhances our collective capacity to respond to shared challenges.

The discussions we will hear today provide a valuable opportunity to advance this agenda.

Through the Inter-American Development Bank, we will explore how modern investment facilitation frameworks can help create more transparent, efficient and attractive investment environments.

Through the Caribbean Development Bank, we will learn about practical instruments designed to expand access to finance, strengthen micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and support sectors with significant potential to drive sustainable growth.

And through Afreximbank, we will examine the growing opportunities emerging from Afro-Caribbean cooperation, demonstrating how South-South partnerships can open new markets, strengthen economic resilience and deepen the historical ties that connect Africa and the Caribbean.

Together, these perspectives remind us that development is not built in isolation. It is built through partnerships, innovation, investment and a shared commitment to expanding opportunities and improving the well-being of our peoples.

The ultimate measure of our success is not the volume of trade or investment we generate, but the extent to which these efforts improve the lives and well-being of the people of the Greater Caribbean.

The future of our region will depend, in large measure, on our ability to transform common challenges into shared opportunities. 
By strengthening connectivity, mobilizing investment, facilitating trade and deepening cooperation, we can build a Greater Caribbean that is more resilient, more competitive and better equipped to advance sustainable development for present and future generations.

I encourage all participants to engage actively in today’s discussions, share experiences and identify new avenues for collaboration.

I thank you for your participation and wish you a productive and enriching webinar.

Thank you.