Business leaders from across the Caribbean used Monday’s CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting to call for closer collaboration between governments, employers and Labour organizations, as they sought practical solutions to strengthen regional trade, investment and economic growth.
The private sector discussions formed part of the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), currently being hosted in Saint Lucia, with participants focusing on removing longstanding barriers to doing business within the region.
Executive Director of the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, Brian Louisy, said the meeting presented an important opportunity for governments, businesses and Labour representatives to work together on issues affecting the region’s economic future.
“It is an opportunity for the private and the public sector and labor to work more closely to address critical issues affecting citizens and the country,” Louisy said.
He noted that stronger collaboration could unlock new investment opportunities while improving the effectiveness of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).
“Grasping opportunities for more targeted investment, resolving and moving issues and better holding back the performance of the CARICOM single market and economy and being purposeful in our actions by working together in a coherent way to address issues that will impact the very livelihoods of all citizens of the region,” he stated.
Among the most pressing concerns raised during the discussions was the persistent challenge of transporting goods efficiently throughout the Caribbean.
“One of the critical ones is shipping and logistics, be able to move the goods across the region in an affordable way,” Louisy said.
He described regional transportation as one of the biggest obstacles to deeper economic integration but expressed optimism that meaningful progress could be achieved.
“I think that is one of the main barriers, but it was one of the discussions we had, and there are plans to move assertively to addressing that,” he explained.
Louisy said sustained commitment from both the public and private sectors would be essential to achieving lasting improvements.
“I think if we could remain focused, put our energies to it, give the necessary support, and be more deliberate in finding new methods to collaborate, to finance, using available resources, we can do it,” he said.
The discussions reflected a shared commitment among regional business leaders to strengthen economic cooperation and ensure that trade, investment and logistics reforms translate into greater opportunities for businesses and citizens across CARICOM.