President of the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Daniel Best, Tuesday said Caribbean countries are building economies that are more productive, resilient and competitive creating opportunities while responding to climate change, technological transformation and an increasingly complex global environment.
Best told the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF2026) that the opportunities are significant. And that climate smart agriculture and food systems, renewable energy and the green economy, digital innovation and technology enabled services and logistics and transportation networks that strengthen trade and connectivity.
“These sectors create jobs, increase exports, strengthen resilience and transform our economies. The Caribbean does not suffer from a shortage of opportunity, talent, creativity or ambition.”
But he told the more than 500 delegates attending the three-day event that the region’s challenge, is one of an ecosystem noting that too often, promising businesses struggle to access capital.
“Innovative projects stall at the concept stage and investors cannot identify opportunities with the readiness, skill and bankability they require. There remains a disconnect between available capital and investable opportunity.”
Best said that recent discussions at Climate Week, New York City and Tonga reinforce the message that development ambitions cannot be achieved without greater investment.
“For the Caribbean, the need is urgent. Our climate finance requirements alone are estimated at approximately US$14 billion annually,” he said, adding that the CDB there is the belief that the solution requires more than capital.
“It requires stronger ecosystems. Stronger ecosystems need effective institutions. Capital flows where investors believe rules will be respected and policies are predictable. Capital flows where contracts will be honoured and decisions are transparent.
“Strong institutions help us distinguish between investment that extracts value and investments that create value. We want investment that creates jobs for our people and transfers skills and knowledge. We want investment that builds productive capacity. Investment that supports sustainable growth and strengthens our societies.”
Best said that stronger institutions also need partnerships and structures that connect opportunity with financing so that “we can move from good ideas to bankable projects.
“We also need an ecosystem which recognises that building resilience is not simply a response to risk. It is also a driver of confidence. Investors do not expect risk to disappear.”
Best acknowledged that every market has risks and that what investors want to know is whether those risks are understood, managed, and mitigated.
“They want confidence that when shocks occur, economies can recover quickly, supply chains can continue, infrastructure can withstand disruptions, and institutions can respond effectively,” he said, adding “that’s why resilient infrastructure matters.
“ It is why modern ports, reliable energy systems, resilient roads and bridges, and robust telecommunications networks are not merely development objectives. They are investment assets. They signal that a country is prepared for the future.
“ It is why early warning systems matter. It is why sound disaster risk management frameworks matter. Collectively, they demonstrate an ability not just to withstand shocks but to recover from them quickly and effectively,” Best said, noting that resilience and confidence reinforce each other.
He said that the CDB’s new 10-year strategy, 2026 to 2035, “Transforming the Caribbean for Resilience”, places building economic, social, and environmental resilience at its core.
He said it commits the bank to mobilising investment, strengthening project pipelines, and expanding private sector-led growth.
“Our private sector strategy reinforces this direction, recognising that public resources alone cannot meet the region’s development needs. That is why CDB is placing greater emphasis on project preparation, private sector development, and investment facilitation.
“We are helping our borough member countries access financing, prepare stronger project pipelines, and work with regional and international partners to mobilise public and private capital.”
But Best said yet financing mechanisms, whether climate funds, blended finance, guarantees, or other innovative instruments will succeed only when credible opportunities attract investment.
He said that this is where the Caribbean Investment Forum and CDB’s partnership with Caribbean Export are critical.
He said since 2022, CIF has helped develop a pipeline of approximately 30 projects from 11 Caribbean Community Forum (CARIFORUM) countries, representing more than US$170 million in investment opportunities.
He said the CUF has connected investors and project sponsors and increased the visibility of Caribbean opportunities.
“The next step is conversion, moving from introductions to partnerships, from interest to engagement, and from engagement to investment. Through CDB’s Propel programme, we are supporting targeted investor outreach, investor readiness, matchmaking, structured follow-up, and stronger pipeline management.
“Our aim is to transform CIF from a three-day event into a year-long investment platform, one that supports project sponsors, improves the conversion of investor interest into financing and strategic partnerships, and builds a sustainable pipeline of investable Caribbean opportunities. “
Best said ultimately, this is about building an investable Caribbean, economies where entrepreneurs can access capital.
“Innovation is rewarded. Resilience strengthens competitiveness, and global investors see opportunities, confidence, and long-term value,” Best said, adding “to the investors gathered here, I encourage you to look beyond the size of our individual markets and recognise the Caribbean as a collective investment destination.
“Our pipeline aligns with some of the world’s most important investment themes, food security, climate resilience, energy transition, digital transformation, supply chain efficiency, and sustainable growth.”
Caribbean Export has launched the fifth Caribbean Investment Forum, saying the event in Bridgetown will focus on securing investment for 30 bankable investment deals. It is being hosted by the regional export development agency in partnership with the Barbados government and the European Union. (CMC)