The 4th Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF) opened in Montego Bay last evening, bringing together heads of government, international investors, and development partners to accelerate sustainable growth and regional transformation.

Hosted by the Caribbean Export Development Agency in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, Investment & Commerce Jamaica, JAMPRO, the European Union (EU), and the CARICOM Secretariat, CIF 2025 is staged under the theme “Smart. Green. Connected. Accelerating Investment. Driving Innovation.”

In his opening address, Dr. Damie Sinanan, Executive Director of Caribbean Export, emphasized the forum’s evolution as the Caribbean’s premier investment platform since its inception in 2022. He noted that CIF has successfully connected investors from over 50 countries and showcased nearly 60 bankable projects worth more than USD 350 million. “CIF is a catalyst for turning vision into opportunity—driving investment, building partnerships, and unlocking transformative potential across the Caribbean,” Dr. Sinanan stated.

He further highlighted the four strategic pillars guiding CIF 2025—Green Economy Transition, Digital Transformation and Innovation, Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security, and Logistics and Transport—describing them as “sectors with transformative potential for economic development and resilience in the Caribbean.” Dr. Sinanan called on stakeholders to mobilize partnerships that can “build the infrastructure needed to transition to renewable energy, close the digital divide, boost food security, and create efficient logistics networks.”

Shullette Cox, President of JAMPRO, declared: “Jamaica is open for business and ready for partnerships.” She also emphasized the importance of regional integration and speaking with a single voice to the global investment community, noting that CIF provides a strong platform for advancing a Caribbean-focused investment strategy.

Her Excellency Dr. Erja Askola, EU Ambassador to Jamaica, Belize and The Bahamas, reaffirmed the EU’s longstanding partnership with the Caribbean, noting that the EU is both a “strong trade and investment partner” and a “destination for Caribbean exports and trade.” She emphasized the EU’s duty-free, quota-free market of 450 million consumers across 27 countries, and its role as the second-largest destination for Caribbean exports. Highlighting initiatives such as the EU Digital Accelerator and climate-smart infrastructure support for MSMEs, Ambassador Askola stated: “Through the Global Gateway, we aim to mobilize investment finance and build a resilient, sustainable Caribbean that thrives on true partnerships.”

Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, Jamaica’s Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, underscored the country’s ambition to be “the most attractive investment destination in the region,” stressing the importance of enabling high-value investment, boosting regional trade, and fostering stronger cooperation.

Delivering the keynote address “Investing in the Future: A Vision for Caribbean Growth and Competitiveness”, Hon. Fayval Williams, Minister of Finance and the Public Service of Jamaica, highlighted the transformative role of public-private partnerships: “Small states can deliver on bold visions for growth and innovation—but this is not the task of governments alone. It requires deep collaboration with the private sector and development partners to build a truly future-ready Caribbean economy.”

Over the next two days, CIF will host sector-specific investment showcases and high-level dialogues focused on four strategic pillars: Green Economy Transition, Digital Transformation & Innovation, Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security, and Logistics & Transport. More than 80 million USD in investment-ready projects will be presented to investors from over 40 countries.

“CIF is more than an event—it is the platform where transformative ideas meet capital and partnerships, shaping the future of the Caribbean for generations to come,” Dr. Sinanan concluded.

CIF 2025 is made possible through the support of strategic partners and sponsors including Republic Bank, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority.

For more information and event updates, visit www.caribbeaninvestmentforum.com