Leo Naut, deputy executive director of Caribbean Export, speaking
to journalists duing a recent Jamaica Observer Business Forum held at the paper’s Beechwood Avenue address in Kingston. (Photo: Joseph Wellington)
A focus on investments in emerging industries such as agribusiness and the green economy is expected to take centre stage next month as the fourth staging of the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF) kicks off in Montego Bay, St James.
Speaking at a Jamaica Observer Business Forum last week, Leo Naut, deputy executive director of the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), highlighted that these two industries are part of a broader focus, which includes the deployment of global capital into other high-potential sectors such as the digital economy, logistics and connectivity.
“I can tell you, even ahead of the forum, that sustainable agriculture projects are high on the list of sectors that will draw significant attention. That’s where investors are increasingly looking. While all four priority sectors have attracted interest, agribusiness and the green economy are really in the spotlight right now,” Naut told journalists.
With sustainable agriculture requiring technological advancements to enhance yields from available arable lands, the deputy director also said that the imposition of tariffs has created opportunities to strengthen intra-regional trade by addressing challenges in transportation and logistics, including airlift and goods movement. “We need to work on the pain points in transportation — not only in airlift but also in the movement of goods between islands,” Naut said. “With the current dynamics around tariffs, this is a real opportunity for the region to identify and close the gaps.”
He also pointed to a surge in innovative proposals aimed at supporting the region’s green economy transition. “This sector has enormous potential. We’re seeing increasingly, creative renewable energy projects that aim to take down the carbon impact in countries.”
To this end project developers, as part of their proposals are encouraged to present cohesive strategies that demonstrate potential returns on investment and operational feasibility. As the countdown to July begins, stakeholders across the region and the diaspora are being called upon to participate as partners in building a new Caribbean economy.
The four key areas, all deemed vital for the region’s growth and development are also identified as critical for economic resilience and competitiveness.
“We framed the forum in around these four transformational sectors, as we believe the Caribbean needs investment in these areas in order to survive. Sustainable agriculture supports food security and export opportunities. The green economy is vital due to our climate vulnerabilities. Digital transformation drives innovation and automation in business, while improvements in logistics and transport are necessary to keep the region globally connected,” Naut further explained, while noting that the Caribbean’s abundant natural resources has also positioned it as an attractive destination for foreign direct investment.
“Over the years we have also helped participants to work on their projects to make them feasible and investment ready. In terms of renewable energy, the Caribbean possessing vast reserves of solar and wind really has the ability to make a major impact. For logistics and transport, if someone can untangle and help us to get interconnected better, this could also be a money maker for us as a region,” he added.
The CIF to date has helped to unlock billions in capital to fund projects in a number of important areas across the region.
“What we aim to do through the CIF is to present project opportunities within various industries that are ripe for foreign direct investment. We chose to zone in on the specific areas, as we seek to give them a chance to attract investors outside of traditional sectors such as tourism and a few others which are already well developed,” he noted.
Organised by Carib Export, this year’s CIF being held under the theme ‘SMART. GREEN.CONNECTED.’ is scheduled to take place July 29-31, 2025. The regional event held in collaboration with the Government of Jamaica, the European Union and the Caricom Secretariat aims to showcase the Caribbean’s untapped potential in sustainable growth sectors.
With a track record of successful public-private partnerships, the CIF is expected to attract over 500 participants from more than 40 countries across the globe including international investors, government leaders, development finance institutions, entrepreneurs, and diaspora representatives.
“We can no longer rely solely on traditional sectors to attract investment. We are building an economic ecosystem that is green, digital, and inclusive to ensure a resilient Caribbean region. CIF is where those ambitions meet action. The CIF continues to be the premier platform that transforms Caribbean potential into performance and the Caribbean region will move from global interest into investment impact,” executive director of Caribbean Export Dr Damie Sinanan said during the event’s official launch back in May.
