From 14 to 16 October 2025, Georgetown played host to the International Business Conference, attracting experts and stakeholders dedicated to promoting sustainable development. Among the delegates was Leo Naut from the Caribbean Export Agency, who took part in a panel discussion entitled “Mobilising Capital, Growth and Private Sector Investment for Sustainable Development.”
Mr Naut emphasised the significance of establishing genuine partnerships between the private sector and multilateral institutions to release essential funding for the Caribbean region. He pointed out that the Caribbean faces a substantial financing gap, totalling billions of dollars, which must be addressed to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Despite this challenge, the region holds immense potential if it can better align capital, innovation, and purpose.
Efforts to bridge these areas are ongoing, through initiatives such as the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator, which assists in translating regional priorities into viable projects aimed at attracting the right kind of investment for sustainable growth. Mr Naut found it inspiring to exchange views and collaborate with partners who share the vision of a greener, smarter, and more connected Caribbean.
