Happy New Year to our members, stakeholders, and the wider business community.
As we begin 2026, resilience will be our guiding principle. By making disciplined decisions and striving for operational excellence, we can overcome uncertainty and turn challenges into opportunities for growth and development. The Chamber is of the view that 2026 holds great promise for advancing how we do business in Barbados.
Reflecting on 2025, the BCCI proudly celebrated its Bicentennial, reaffirming our role as a trusted partner in national development. Barbados achieved nearly three per cent economic growth, maintained robust foreign reserves, and saw employment rates decline – giving businesses greater confidence to plan and invest.
Looking ahead, rapid adaptation is essential to sustain Barbados’ appeal to investors. We must focus on innovation, resilience, and competitiveness, driving reforms and infrastructure upgrades to reduce friction and boost efficiency.
Three priorities will shape our daily business strategy:
- Climate resilience
- Digital transformation
- Business growth
Financing for climate projects will support vital infrastructure, while digitisation drives business efficiency and new opportunities. Our strategies aim to enhance access to finance and accelerate digital adoption. Expanding renewable energy will help reduce costs and market competitiveness. Regionally, CARICOM’s free movement opens new possibilities for labour and market access.
In 2026, the Chamber will focus on executing the BCCI 2026-2028 Strategic Plan, guided by clear KPIs and a commitment to delivering measurable value to our members. Our priorities will include:
- Improve logistics
- Expanding trade facilitation
- Continue to seek alternative supply chains and source markets
- Accelerating digital payments
- Support the national green and renewable energy strategy
- Promote and strengthen Africa–Caribbean ties
It is anticipated that these initiatives will help our members operate more efficiently, access new markets and adopt innovative technologies – delivering tangible benefits to all stakeholders.
Collaboration across sectors remains essential and we invite all stakeholders to actively engage with our initiatives and share feedback to help us achieve our goals together for the benefit of Barbados.
On behalf of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce & Industry, I wish you and your families a peaceful, healthy, and prosperous New Year.
Together, let’s make 2026 a year of growth and achievement. Paul Inniss President, Barbados Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
