Crafting a Sustainable and Inclusive Trade and Bioeconomy Agenda for CARICOM

Over two days, representatives from CARICOM governments, civil society, the private sector, local communities, multilateral institutions, intergovernmental organizations, international NGOs, regional export bodies and academia came together to explore the intersection of trade, climate change, and the Caribbean bioeconomy. The bioeconomy represents an economic opportunity valued between $5-30 trillion globally. The Caribbean possesses significant natural assets and competitive advantages in this space, but realizing the bioeconomy's potential requires urgent coordination, strategic investment, and a fundamental shift from fragmented national approaches to integrated regional action.

Promoting a Sustainable CARICOM Industrial Policy through Trade

This workshop convened policymakers, regional institutions, industry representatives, trade body officials, academics and civil society organizations to discuss the linkages between trade, sustainability and industrial policy and to critically reflect on the draft 2035 Caribbean Industrial Policy Strategy (CIPS). The discussions took place at a critical moment for the finalization of the CIPS, which builds on the region’s long-standing commitment — enshrined in the CARICOM treaty — to promote market-led, internationally competitive production of goods and services.