CAIPA’s Week at the World Investment Forum
CAIPA at the 2023 World Investment Forum
Highlights and Key Takeaways from a Remarkable Week
| CAIPA made the most of 8th UNCTAD World Investment Forum (WIF) which took place from October 16-20th, 2023 in Abu Dhabi. Our delegates took full advantage of the opportunity to champion the Caribbean as a prime investment destination and deepen connections with global stakeholders all with the goal of furthering CAIPA’s mission of promoting investment throughout the Caribbean. Check out highlights from the event below! |
 Day 1: Setting Up CAIPA’s Presence CAIPA, ProDominicana, CINEX, and Invest Barbados presented booths showcasing the wealth of opportunities for international business in the Caribbean. The booths served as valuable focal points to engage with WIF attendees all week.  Day 2: Mobilizing Private Capital and the Blue Economy At the Summit Roundtable, H.E. Ruisandro Cijntje from the Dominican Republic and Hon. Daren Pinard from Dominica delved into the challenges faced by small island states in mobilizing private capital. On the ‘Promoting Investment in the Blue Economy’ panel, Ronald Theodore, CAIPA President and CEO of Grenada Investment Development Corporation (GIDC), emphasized the significance of a regional blue economy strategy for the Caribbean to attract investment into it’s most significant asset.  Day 3: Engaging Directly With Key Stakeholders & Promoting Gender Equality CAIPA took advantage of the opportunity to meet privately with a number of key stakeholders. Baroness Patricia Janet Scotland of Asthal from the Commonwealth Secretariat pledged continued support for the Caribbean in its efforts to attract investment. Paul Holthus from the World Ocean Council and UNCTAD’s Paul Wessendorp commended our Blue Economy focus and committed to partnering further. UNIDO, represented by Stefan Kratzsch and Brian Portelli, highlighted their commitment to working with CAIPA on the Invest in ACP investment projects portal, which will be a key tool supporting international investment in the Caribbean. Shullette Cox, President of Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), joined panelists to discuss the impact of IPAs on gender equality and their evolving role in promoting gender parity. UNCTAD recently released an important study on Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) and their impact on gender equality, and Ms. Cox highlighted Jamaica’s historically strong performance in Women’s leadership and how partnership with UNCTAD can be leveraged to better position our achievements in gender equality to attract FDI. Day 4: Unlocking Investments, The Green Economy, and Tax Reform CAIPA President and CEO of Grenada Investment Development Corporation (GIDC) joined a discussion around “Unlocking Investments in the African, Caribbean, and Pacific Region”. This panel delved into investment opportunities within the ACP region. Mr. Theodore was able to express his endorsement of the Invest in ACP platform as an effective tool for investment promotion, encouraging all CAIPA members to make use of this valuable resource.  Sekou Alleyne, President of InvesTT Trinidad and Tobago, joined the “Talking Business (The Green Economy),” panel, discussing the opportunities and challenges related to green economy investments. The panel emphasized the importance of transitioning towards sustainable energy sources, circular economies, and eco-friendly practices.  Finally, Kaye-Anne Brathwaite Greenidge, CEO of Invest Barbados, joined the “Implications of Tax Reforms for IPAs and SEZs,” panel. This discussion centered on the impact of tax reforms, including the Global Minimum tax, on IPAs and Special Economic Zones (SEZs). Ms. Greenidge emphasized the necessity for IPAs to adapt their approach, integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and non-tax incentives into their value propositions to remain relevant in the evolving tax landscape.  This event provided a valuable platform to showcase CAIPAs mission and meet directly with global leaders, both from the public and private sector. A big thank you to UNCTAD for organizing the event and engaging the Caribbean as speakers. Thanks to all our members for such an active and productive week. The future holds promising opportunities and partnerships for the Caribbean cultivated during this event! |
