During the 3 day intensive training session, more than 30 representatives from investment promotion agencies (IPAs) were present from 18 Caribbean countries. The capacity building exercise was one of the series of training undertaken by the Caribbean Export within the framework of the 10th European Development Fund Regional Private Sector Development Programme funded by the European Union.

‘’It is anticipated that, following the development of targeted strategies during the training to assist the IPAs to improve on their inquiry handling processes, that the region will be better placed to attract and facilitate investment’’, noted Pamela Coke Hamilton, Executive Director of Caribbean Export. To achieve this goal, it is important to have relevant, up-to-date and accurate information, which must be presented in a fast and efficient way, according to Anthony Hylton, the Jamaican Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce.

The inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI) represent a key engine for sustained economic development. This has been visible through the inflows the Caribbean economies have witnessed and which helped to stimulate growth through the injection of additional capital, job creation and the transfer of knowledge and technology.

CAIPA is a regional Association of 19 IPA’s, including CARIFORUM Agencies and IPA’s from Curacao, the Cayman Islands, Montserrat and Turks and Caicos Islands. CAIPA aims to promote the Caribbean for investment through increased collaborative efforts among the region’s IPAs.