Promoting Trade and Investment in the Caribbean with Deodat Maharaj

Send us Fan MailThe Caribbean's brand potential on the world stage is not being fully realized. Deodat Maharaj, Director of Caribbean Export, argues that several regional obstacles must be addressed before the Caribbean product can be unified and finally achieve true recognition globally. Firstly, there's financing for small and micro-businesses. They comprise more than 60% of the Caribbean's business economy. There's also the process of transitioning a business from an informal one, to a registered entity. The business environment of the region is difficult, with most of the countries ranking low in terms of ease of doing business. Secondly, as a climate-vulnerable region, the Caribbean will need to embrace new technologies and industries based on green initiatives. These industries are poised to generate hundreds of thousands of jobs if executed properly. New methods of agriculture that are more technologically integrated could also harden the local food supply chains and assist in climate resilience goals for the Caribbean. Thirdly, there's logistics. High travel and transport costs don't just dampen travel demand but make regional products more expensive than their externally imported counterparts. New air and sea options will be needed to better connect the import and export chains across the region.Join Rasheed and Mr. Maharaj for this interesting discussion on the future of "Brand Caribbean" and the toward path more lucrative market opportunities.Contact Info:Deodat Maharaj via Twitter Website: Caribbean Export Development AgencyRasheed Griffith via Twitter