Expanding African-Caribbean trade

Invest Barbados CEO, Kaye Greenidge, emphasized the importance of expanding African-Caribbean trade relations during a recent interview with CNBC Africa. The discussion centered around the need to bridge gaps, promote opportunities, and foster collaboration between African and Caribbean businesses. The second Afro-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum aimed to showcase the potential for growth and partnership between the two regions. Greenidge highlighted the significance of scaling and overcoming current challenges and barriers. While Africa boasts a vast market, the Caribbean's strength lies in its collective expertise as a region through entities like CARICOM. By leveraging each Caribbean country's unique strengths and combining them, the region can offer a substantial market for African businesses. Similarly, the Caribbean's strategic location and numerous bilateral agreements provide access to global markets beyond the region. One of the primary obstacles identified by Greenidge is the need for easier travel between the Caribbean and Africa. Simplifying travel for trade and investment purposes could significantly enhance collaboration between the two regions. Greenidge suggested that reducing travel times between key destinations would facilitate greater business interactions and economic partnerships. Looking ahead, Invest Barbados is committed to furthering its efforts to promote opportunities for cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean. Greenidge expressed a dedication to expanding outreach and fostering mutually beneficial relationships. The organization aims to continue advocating for increased trade and investment between the two regions, with a focus on driving economic growth and prosperity for all involved. In conclusion, the ongoing push to strengthen African-Caribbean trade relations serves as a pathway to unlocking economic opportunities and driving sustainable development. By capitalizing on the unique strengths of each region and fostering cooperation, both Africa and the Caribbean stand to benefit from increased collaboration and shared prosperity.