PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago – Regional governments must invest more in trade-enabling initiatives to boost competitiveness and efficiency, says Ian Durant, Director of Economics at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). 

Speaking at a joint workshop in Trinidad and Tobago, he emphasized that strengthening the trade ecosystem requires regional collaboration and capacity building.

Durant highlighted the need to diversify Caribbean exports and improve trade infrastructure, despite resource limitations. Permanent Secretary Artie Bedassie-Maharaj echoed the call for enhanced data collection, particularly in digital trade.

CDB is working with partners like the WTO and UNCTAD to modernize trade systems, enhance technical capacity, and improve digital trade statistics. These efforts aim to support evidence-based policies, drive economic growth, and promote sustainable development across the region.